DWSD Lifeline Plan Outreach and Resources

How is this different than WRAP?

 

  Previous Assistance Program New DWSD Lifeline Plan
Past Due Balance Up to  $700 credit toward past due balance per year;
maximum $1400 over two years (if arreras are more then $1400,
resident still had a past due balance)		 Completely erased upon enrollment.
Start with a zero balance.
Monthly Bill $25 monthly bill credit

Tiered all-in bill amount of $18, $43 or $56 based on income with up to 1,125 gallons of indoor water usage per household member per month
Plumbing Repairs Up to $1,000 based on water audit Up to $2,000 based on water audit
Household of 3 example
($85 per month normal bill)		 $60

As low as $18 per month and no more than $56 per month (with accommodation for number of people in household)
Program Duration Two years maximum Enrolled as long as you income-qualify;
no maximum timeframe


 

How can I monitor my water usage?

  • Register on the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal to access your account, view, and print your bill, see real-time water usage, and pay your bill. 
  • DWSD will also alert you when you have used 3,000 gallons of water in that particular month. I have a water leak or use lots of water per month.

How do I get plumbing repairs?

  • As long as you are enrolled in the DWSD Lifeline Plan, you will be eligible for a water audit.
  • If you have high water usage, you may be eligible for minor plumbing repairs including fixture and toilet replacement at no cost to you.
  • Households that have received plumbing repairs have an average monthly water bill reduction of 23%.

How is the DWSD Lifeline Plan funded?

  • Federal funding through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
  • Regional funding from the Great Lakes Water Authority through the annual Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) allocation.
  • DWSD and City officials are collaborating with legislators on additional funding sources.

How do I get informed on the Lifeline Plan?

  • Hosted 10 Lifeline Plan Enrollment Fairs with at least one in each Council District.
  • Attended and/or presented at more than 150 neighborhood/community events, meetings, and resource fairs.
  • Door knocked more than 49,000 likely low-income households.
  • Aired radio advertisements, produced videos, placed advertisements in the Michigan Chronicle, and worked with reporters on news stories.