Accounting

What is the water and sewer billing frequency?

Effective January 1, 2004, the water and sewer bills are billed on a bimonthly basis.  The bills are based on actual meter reads.  The city will no longer be estimating any water and sewer bills unless there is a problem with the meter reading equipment.

I am selling my house and I need to get a final water and sewer bill.  How do I arrange for a final bill?

You will need to contact the Accounting Division at 248-656-4688 at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance of the date you want your meter read.  The following information will be needed:

• Address
• Date of final read
• Your name
• Address to send the final bill
• Phone number where you can be reached in case of problem

Where is my water meter located?

Meters are located inside your house.  The most common places to look are in your basement or laundry room.

What is the plastic box outside of my house?

The plastic box outside is a remote that is attached to your water meter, inside your house, by a wire.  The remote allows the meter readers to pull a read off of the meter with their equipment.
 
My water bill is higher than normal.  Why?

There are several reasons why you may have a high water and sewer bill.  If it is summer, you are probably using more outside water.  If you do not have an area maintenance meter or second meter you are paying sewer charges on water that is being used outside.

The most common reason for high usage is a leak somewhere in your house.

How could I detect a leak in my house?

To detect a leak in your house you must first locate the water meter located inside your house.  Your water meter has a leak detector on it.  The leak detector either has a black triangle located above the digit read or it is a red circle located below the digit read.

If you are not using any water in your home the leak detector should not be turning or moving.  If it is moving and you are not using water you have a leak somewhere in your house.  The leak could be a toilet, faucet, or a back up water driven sump pump.  You may not always hear or see a leak.

You can call and we will help you locate the source of a leak.

Where can I get historical information on my water and sewer account?

Any historical information concerning water and sewer billing charges can be requested by calling the Accounting Division at 248-656-4688 and mailed to you.

What are my bill paying options?

You can:

• Direct Payment Plan (call Treasury Department at 248-656-4675)
• Mail in envelope provided with your bill
• Use the drop box located at City Hall
• Pay in person at Treasury Department
• For a fee use credit cards (call 1-877-245-5774)
  Please click here for more detailed payment instructions.

What happens if I don't pay my water bill?  Will my water be shut off?

All unpaid water and sewer bills that are delinquent will be added to your winter property tax bill and will be subject to a late payment charge.

The City does not turn off water for non-payment.  The City strongly encourages our customers to keep their accounts up to date to avoid penalties.

I have a water and/or sewer lien on my account, how would I go about paying off the lien?

You can call the Accounting Division and get a payoff amount.  However we strongly recommend that you come to City Hall when you are ready to payoff your lien so you will receive all original documentation needed to verify that the lien has been paid off in full.

What is the purpose of an area maintenance meter, second meter, or dual meter?

The area maintenance meter is a second meter that is installed which measures water that is used exclusively outside (a sprinkler system or other outside spigots).  If the second meter is installed you will be charged only for water use and not for sewer use since the water is not entering a sanitary sewer.  For more information call the Department of Public Service at 248-656-4685 for cost and installation.

To Determine Possible Savings With An
Area Maintenance Meter

1.    Accumulate the total annual (one year period) water usage.  This will be shown in units.
      (1 unit = 100 cubic feet or 750 gallons of water). 

      (a) Total Annual Usage ______ in units.

2.   Determine what best represents your winter inside usage.

      (b) Record the total usage for winter months ______ in units.

3.   (c) Subtract the total sewer portion (b) from the total annual usage (a) this equals ______  
      units.

4.   Multiply (c) by current sewer rate. (Refer to Residential Rates - sewer commodity charge). This is an estimated amount that would be saved annually by installing a second meter.  Compare this with the costs for the meter and plumbing work that will be required to install the second meter in your home.  Plumbing costs will vary from home to home.