The Lifeline Plan
block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-1,News & Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-related-links-block-1,Related Links*block-detroitminew-views-block-video-playlist-block-1,Videos*documents-block,Documents*block-detroitminew-views-block-forms-block-1,Forms*block-views-block-faq-block-1,FAQs*block-detroitminew-views-block-district-map-block-1,District Map*block-views-block-council-office-directory-block-1,Office Directory*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-3,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-4,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-council-member-bio-block-1,Bio*block-detroitminew-views-block-sub-sections-block-1,Sections*block-detroitminew-views-block-web-apps-block-1,Web Apps*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-4,News*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-3-2,Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-special-block-1,Staff*block-detroitminew-views-block-statements-block-1,Statements*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-1,Newsletters*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-3,Ordinance*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-2,Resolutions*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-4,Memos
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has an income-based water affordability plan – the Lifeline Plan. Your bill may be as low as $34 per month under the updated program, now called Lifeline H2O!
DWSD developed this water affordability program to keep everyone’s rates low. This is also why water conservation is built into the program. Once you’re enrolled in the DWSD Lifeline Plan, please pay your income-based monthly bill in order to continue this program. If your water usage is above the threshold, you will be offered a water audit for possible plumbing interventions to resolve leaks and inefficient water usage.
For additional information visit:
DWSD Lifeline Plan Outreach and Resources.
What’s required for eligibility and enrollment?
- Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- Your a current DWSD account holder.
- A water meter is installed and functioning inside your home.
- Your account is registered in the DWSD Customer Self-Service Portal.
- You have no past due balance (previous enrollees had their arrearages erased with federal and state funding).
- Apply directly through DWSD using a income verification tool at lifeline.detroitmi.gov.
What is the DWSD Lifeline H20 Plan?
Developed in partnership with community advocates and water affordability experts, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Lifeline Plan is an income-based water affordability program. It offers qualifying customers a low, fixed monthly bill at less than 3% of average annual household income.
What are the benefits of the DWSD Lifeline H2O Plan?
- Affordable fixed bill at $34 monthly for water, sewerage and drainage;
- Get up to 4,500 gallons of water usage per household per month before receiving normal water and sewerage rates;
- Shutoff protection while on the plan and as long as you pay your monthly bill; and
- If funding is available and your usage is above 4,500 gallons, you get a free water conservation measures to fix leaks and inefficient equipment which saves you money.
What do I need to apply?
- Proof of household income or enrollment verification from FAP, MEAP, SNAP or an eligible public benefit program
- DWSD account number
How do I apply?
Go to lifeline.detroitmi.gov, scan the QR code below or call 313-435-2055.
The Lifeline Plan and EasyPay Plan Dashboard (as of November 5, 2025)
0* households enrolled in Lifeline FY25
40,809 eligible accounts enrolled in EasyPay
*Lifeline benefits ended on September 30, 2025 for Fiscal Year 2025. The program is restarting in November 2026 as Lifeline H2O, utilizing currently available funding from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) WRAP allocation for Detroit.