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.