Dearborn Heights Water Department: Pay Bill, Auto Pay, Final Read, Meter & Service Help
Dearborn Heights water customers often need one exact action: pay the bill through BS&A without missing the processor fee, set up automatic payment and wait until the bill shows the auto-pay message, schedule a final read before a closing, understand why a bill says “estimated,” or respond to the 2025–2026 meter reading technology replacement. This guide turns the City’s official Water Billing, Online Payments, Treasurer, Water & Sewer, meter replacement and water quality details into quick steps with the right phone numbers and official links.
Choose the Dearborn Heights Water Task You Actually Need
Dearborn Heights Water Contacts That Matter
| Need | Official detail | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Water Billing | 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127; 313-791-3450 | Water bill questions, final reading, meter repair appointments, water tap billing and account support. |
| City Hall / Treasurer payment | 6045 Fenton St., Dearborn Heights, MI 48127; Monday-Thursday 8 AM-5 PM | In-person payment by cash, check, card, money order, cashier check or debit card. |
| Phone payment | 313-725-9881 | Automated payment using parcel number or water account number from the bill. |
| Department of Public Works | 313-791-6000; Monday-Thursday 8 AM-5 PM, lunch closure 12:30-1:30 PM | Public Works questions, water meter replacement identity verification, stormwater/public works routing. |
| DPW office reference | 24600 Van Born Road, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125 | Water Quality Report / DPW office reference and public works water resource programs. |
| Wayne County environmental hotline | 1-888-223-2363 | Illegal dumping, soil runoff, drain maintenance or water pollution concerns. |
How to Pay a Dearborn Heights Water Bill
Start from the official City page
Open Water Billing or Online Payments, then use the City-linked BS&A Online utility billing portal.
Use the water account number from your bill
For phone payment, the City says you need your parcel number or water account number. This information is found on your tax or water bill.
Pick the cheapest safe payment method
Card payments have a percentage fee. E-check has a flat $3 fee. Mail and bank bill-pay may take longer, so do not use slow methods near a deadline.
Save confirmation and account details
Keep the confirmation number, amount, date, water account number and payment method until your account shows the payment.
Dearborn Heights Water Bill Fees and Payment Warnings
| Payment issue | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Water utility card fee | 2.9% processing fee plus $0.50 per transaction through BS&A | Compare with e-check before using a card for larger bills. |
| Accepted cards | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and debit cards; debit is processed as credit-card transaction | Expect the same card processing fee on debit card payments. |
| E-check | $3 fee; requires bank routing number and account number | Use when it is cheaper than percentage card fee. |
| Phone payment | Call 313-725-9881; payment by check is not currently supported by phone | Have water account number or parcel number ready. |
| Returned item | $25 returned item fee for any item, check or card returned unpaid | Verify account balance and card details before submitting. |
| Mail timing | City says to allow 14 days before due date or deadline when mailing a check via USPS | Do not mail close to the due date. |
| Late fee shown on bill sample | Sample bill states 10% late fee charged on accounts not paid by due date | Pay before the due date shown on your actual bill. |
Dearborn Heights Automatic Water Bill Payment
The City launched an optional automatic water bill payment system. Once enrolled, payment can be deducted from a bank, savings and loan, or credit union account on the due date every month.
Start from the official auto-pay notice / BS&A route
Open the City notice Heights offers new water bill auto pay option or the official BS&A municipality portal.
Keep paying normally until the bill confirms it
The City’s FAQ says most accounts convert within 30–60 days. Keep paying normally until the bill shows “DO NOT PAY – AUTO PAY PLAN”.
Call early if the bill amount looks wrong
The FAQ says to contact Water Billing at 313-791-3450 at least 10 days before the due date if you have a question about the amount.
Know when auto-pay ends
If you request a final water bill, your participation automatically ends. Final bill payments will not be taken through automatic withdrawal.
How to Schedule a Final Water Reading in Dearborn Heights
Final readings are important for sales, move-outs, tenant changes and final bills. Dearborn Heights does not treat final billing like a normal auto-pay cycle.
| Final-read item | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Who to call | Water Billing Department at 313-791-3450 | Schedule before the closing or move-out deadline. |
| Appointment availability | Final reading appointments are done one day each week | Do not wait until the last day. |
| Final bill delivery | Final bills can be picked up from City Hall, mailed, or faxed by request | Tell the Water Billing Department how the title company, owner or tenant should receive it. |
| Auto-pay status | Automatic payment withdrawal is canceled when final bill is processed | Pay the final bill separately; do not rely on auto-pay. |
| Final bill payment | Final bill payments will not be taken through automatic withdrawal | Use an approved payment method after final bill is issued. |
How to Read a Dearborn Heights Water Bill
The City’s sample bill explains the key read fields and codes. It also shows that 1 unit = 748 gallons, and read type may be A = Actual or E = Estimated.
| Bill section | What it means | User check |
|---|---|---|
| Account number | Used for online/phone payment and account lookup | Copy exactly from bill. |
| Current / previous read | Shows read units and dates | Compare with current meter if bill seems wrong. |
| Read type | A = actual; E = estimate | Repeated estimates may need meter repair appointment. |
| Usage | Number of units of water used | Multiply by 748 gallons if you need gallon estimate. |
| Minimum charge | Minimum bill charge shown even when little or no use occurs | Empty houses may still receive a bill. |
Water Tap Applications, Service Fees and Turn-On Rules
Water tap applications must be submitted to the Water Billing Department at City Hall with a $75 non-refundable deposit. The deposit is deducted from the final water tap cost after review and site visit.
| Water service item | Official detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Water tap application | $75 non-refundable deposit due with application | Submit through Water Billing at City Hall. |
| Review timing | DPW reviews application and performs site visit; process may take up to 30 days | Plan ahead for construction or service changes. |
| 1 inch service / meter | Service connection $1,600; meter cost $450; total listed $1,930 | Verify current pricing with Water Billing before paying. |
| 1.5 inch service | Service connection $1,665; meter cost $910; total listed $2,327 | Confirm exact application cost and road-cut impacts. |
| 2 inch service | Service connection $1,785; meter cost $1,275; total listed $2,595 | Ask Water Billing to verify current meter price. |
| Large services | 4 inch through 6 inch services installed by licensed contractor and inspected by Water Department | Coordinate contractor and inspection early. |
| Meter installation | Meter must be installed by a licensed plumber; city repair technician inspects and turns water on | Schedule inspection with Water Billing at 313-791-3450. |
Service and Appointment Fees
| Fee | Amount | User warning |
|---|---|---|
| Missed appointment / no-show | $25 | Be available or reschedule before the appointment. |
| Water off/on during normal business hours | $15 | Schedule through billing when possible. |
| Water off during non-business hours | $100 | After-hours turn-on must be scheduled during normal hours except valid emergency. |
| Service line disconnection 3/4 inch to 2 inch | $500 | Reconnections are treated as new water taps. |
| Service line disconnection 3 inch or larger | $650 | Road pavement replacement charges may also apply. |
| Hydrant meter permit deposit | $2,500 | Usage or damage is deducted; remaining balance returned within 30 days. |
Dearborn Heights Water Meter Replacement Program 2025–2026
Dearborn Heights says the new meter reading technology is required because the old system is no longer supported. Ferguson Waterworks / VEPO installers replace the reading technology and may need to shut off water during installation.
| Meter replacement issue | City detail | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Meter location | Most meters are in the basement, usually on the wall facing the street | Locate it before the appointment. |
| Finished basement | Meters can be behind walls, cabinets or remodeled areas | Ensure the meter is accessible before installer arrives. |
| Installer identity | Installers should have photo ID, identifiable uniforms and marked vehicles | Call 313-791-6000 if you have questions about someone at your door. |
| Water interruption | Water must be shut off during installation, then turned back on afterward | Make sure shut-off valves are operational before scheduling. |
| Access space | Installer cannot move your personal items | Clear boxes, stored items, drywall panels or obstructions. |
| Appointment length | Appointment is in a 4-hour block; work should take 30–60 minutes after installer arrives | Plan for the full window. |
Repeated Estimated Water Bills or Meter Repair Appointment
The City says repeated estimated water bills may happen if wires attaching the ARB box to the meter inside the home come undone. If that happens, contact Water Billing to schedule a meter repair appointment.
Call if you see…
Repeated E estimated read codes, unusual unchanged usage, or repeated estimates instead of actual reads.
Water Billing: 313-791-3450
Before calling…
Have the bill, account number, service address, read dates, current meter photo if available, and access details for the meter location.
Dearborn Heights Water Quality Report and Source Water
The 2024 Water Quality Report says Dearborn Heights water is supplied by the Great Lakes Water Authority from the Springwells and Southwest Water Treatment Plants, with source water from the Detroit River. The report says the city met or exceeded federal and state standards for drinking water during 2023 when the enclosed data was compiled.
Stormwater, Water Resource Protection and Environmental Hotline
Dearborn Heights has stormwater and water resource protection information through Public Works and the Wayne County Department of Public Services environmental hotline.
Use the hotline for…
Illegal dumping, soil runoff, drain maintenance and water pollution concerns.
Wayne County 24-hour Environmental Hotline: 1-888-223-2363
Use DPW for…
Public Works questions, stormwater plan feedback and water resource program questions.
DPW main number: 313-791-6000
What to Say When Contacting Dearborn Heights Water
| Situation | Say this | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Payment not showing | “I paid my Dearborn Heights water bill through BS&A/phone/in person and need to confirm posting.” | Account number, confirmation number, payment date, amount and method. |
| Auto-pay question | “I enrolled in water auto pay and want to know whether my account is active yet.” | Account number, enrollment date and latest bill. |
| Bill amount issue with auto-pay | “I have a question about the amount before automatic payment drafts on the due date.” | Bill, due date and specific line item question. Call at least 10 days before due date. |
| Final reading | “I need to schedule a final water reading for [address].” | Service address, closing/move-out date, owner/tenant/title company details and delivery preference. |
| Repeated estimates | “My bills show repeated estimated reads and I need a meter repair appointment.” | Account number, bill copies, read codes and meter access details. |
| Meter replacement identity | “Someone says they are here for the water meter replacement program. Can you verify the installer?” | Installer name, company, vehicle markings, address and appointment info. |
Dearborn Heights Water Billing and DPW Map
Water Billing and Treasurer payment are tied to City Hall at 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. DPW water quality and public works references use 24600 Van Born Road. Confirm which office handles your task before visiting.
City Hall / Water Billing / Treasurer
Use this for water bill payment, account questions, final-read questions and Water Billing office reference.
Official Dearborn Heights Water Links
Water Billing
Official payment options, billing responsibilities, BS&A fees and water account information.
Open Water BillingBS&A Utility Payment
City-linked online utility billing payment and utility billing record search.
Open BS&A PaymentOnline Payments
Phone payment number, City Hall payment information, card processing fees and returned item fee.
Open Online PaymentsTreasurer’s Office
In-person payment, payment fees, drop box and Treasurer payment rules.
Open TreasurerAuto Pay Notice
Automatic water bill payment announcement and setup route.
Open Auto Pay NoticeWater & Sewer
Water tap applications, service fees, final readings, meter repair and hydrant meter permit information.
Open Water & SewerWater Billing Staff Directory
Water Billing address, phone and staff directory reference.
Open DirectoryMeter Replacement FAQ
Meter location, installer identity, service interruption, access and appointment length.
Open Meter FAQ2024 Water Quality Report
Water source, GLWA supply, system information and drinking water quality report.
Open Water Quality ReportDearborn Heights Water Department FAQs
How do I pay my Dearborn Heights water bill online?
Start from the official Water Billing or Online Payments page, then use the City-linked BS&A Online portal.
What is the Dearborn Heights water bill card fee?
The City says water utility billing card payments have a 2.9% card processing fee plus $0.50 per transaction.
How much is the Dearborn Heights e-check fee?
The City says a $3 fee applies to an electronic check, and you need your bank routing number and account number.
Can I pay my Dearborn Heights water bill by phone?
Yes. Dial 313-725-9881. You need your water account number or parcel number. The City says payment by check is not currently supported through phone payments.
What is the Water Billing phone number?
Dearborn Heights Water Billing is listed at 313-791-3450.
Where is the Dearborn Heights Water Billing office?
The Water Billing directory lists the physical address as 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127.
Does Dearborn Heights offer automatic water bill payment?
Yes. The City launched an optional automatic water bill payment system that can deduct payment from a bank, savings and loan, or credit union account on the due date every month.
How long does auto pay take to start?
The City FAQ says most accounts are converted within 30–60 days. Continue paying normally until the bill shows DO NOT PAY – AUTO PAY PLAN.
How do I request a final water reading?
Call Water Billing at 313-791-3450. The City says final reading appointments are done one day each week, and final bills can be picked up, mailed or faxed by request.
Will my final bill be paid by automatic withdrawal?
No. The City says automatic withdrawal is canceled when the final bill is processed, and final bill payments will not be taken through automatic withdrawal.
What should I do if my bill shows repeated estimated reads?
Contact Water Billing at 313-791-3450 to schedule a meter repair appointment. The City says ARB box wires may come undone and cause repeated estimates.
Who installs the new water meter reading technology?
The City says Ferguson Waterworks / VEPO installs the new water meter reading technology. Call 313-791-6000 to verify installer identity if unsure.
Where is my Dearborn Heights water meter located?
The City says most meters are located in the basement, usually on the wall facing the street. In finished basements, meters may be behind walls, cabinets or remodeled areas.
What does one unit on a Dearborn Heights water bill mean?
The City’s sample bill says 1 unit = 748 gallons.
Where can I read the Dearborn Heights water quality report?
Open the official 2024 Water Quality Report, which explains the GLWA supply, source water and annual drinking water report details.
Best Way to Handle a Dearborn Heights Water Department Task
Dearborn Heights water information is spread across Water Billing, Online Payments, Treasurer, Water & Sewer, automatic payment, meter replacement and water quality pages. This guide keeps the important official details together so residents can pay correctly, avoid hidden processor-fee surprises, schedule final reads on time and respond safely to meter replacement work.
Editorial note: This guide is informational and summarizes official City of Dearborn Heights water billing, payment, auto-pay, final-read, meter, water tap, water quality and Public Works resources for easier public use. Official fees, phone numbers, office hours, payment vendors, forms, service charges, appointment rules and water program details can change. Confirm final details on official dearbornheightsmi.gov pages or the City-linked BS&A portal before paying, scheduling, applying or making account decisions.