If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
DWSD maintains the water main and service line up to the curbstop; the property owner is responsible for the water service line from the curbstop to inside the house, per detroitmi.gov.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Responsible for the water service line from the curbstop to inside the home or business, and all internal plumbing. |
| City / utility | DWSD maintains the water distribution system, including water mains and service lines, up to the curbstop (turn-on/off valve near or at the sidewalk). |
| Exceptions | Lead service lines: DWSD replaces the full line, including the owner portion, at no cost under its lead service line replacement program. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 25, 2026.
DWSD is responsible for maintenance on the water distribution system, including the water mains and service lines up to the curbstop (turn-on/off valve near or at the sidewalk). The property owner is responsible for the water service line from the curbstop to inside the home or business and the internal plumbing inside the house/structure.
DWSD warranties the work for one year before the property owner resumes ownership of their portion.
Under this program, there is no cost to the property owner to have the pipe replaced.
City rules rest on state law. Read Michigan's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water service line in Detroit, MI?
Responsibility is shared. Responsible for the water service line from the curbstop to inside the home or business, and all internal plumbing.
Are there exceptions in Detroit, MI?
Lead service lines: DWSD replaces the full line, including the owner portion, at no cost under its lead service line replacement program.
Is there any cost help for water service line in Detroit, MI?
DWSD lead service line replacement program: the full line including the private portion is replaced at no cost to the property owner, and DWSD warranties the work for one year before the owner resumes ownership of their portion (DWSD news release).
What is this based on for Detroit, MI?
This verdict is sourced to Water and Sewer Maintenance/Emergencies and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Water and Sewer Maintenance/Emergenciesofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-25
- $100M headed to Detroit to replace lead service lines over next three years; more funding on the wayofficial-news · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-25
- $100M headed to Detroit to replace lead service lines over next three years; more funding on the wayofficial-news · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-25
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