The Water Affordability Fund (WAF) is an emergency relief fund to help low-income families that cannot afford their Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) bills. The Fund is operated by the Detroit Water Brigade, a fiscally-sponsored 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Highland Park, Michigan.
How do I qualify?
In order to receive assistance from the WAF, you must be:
- A Detroit or Highland Park resident
- Currently without running water
- Priority is given to elderly residents (55 and over), people with disabilities, and families with children under 18 years old
How does the WAF work?
After being approved for assistance, the WAF will pay your initial 10% down payment on your past-due balance in order to restore your water service and allow you to enter into a 24-month payment plan with DWSD.
Residents will need to come in-person to a WAF Enrollment Day, fill out the application and wait until they are called for a pre-interview with our staff. This interview will take about 10-20 minutes per person. The determination will be based on need and eligibility.
How can I contribute to the Fund?
You can make a tax-deductible donation to the Water Affordability Fund.
Upcoming Enrollment Dates:
Open enrollment each Thursday night, 4-6pm, at the House of Help Community Center, 23700 Clarita St, Detroit, MI 48219
All WAF enrollees will receive coupons for a free Empowerment Workshop series to learn about how to reduce their bills by conserving water as well as how to get involved in the #DetroitWater movement and build skills that will help them become more self-reliant and independent.
Questions? Please contact the Detroit Water Brigade at (313)-279-0608 Ext. 1