DWSD reports positive 2024 results, vows to limit rate increases after transmission-line break that displaced hundreds

Detroit water officials and the city’s legislative analysts told the Budget, Finance & Audit Standing Committee on March 11 that audited results for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department show net position increases for both water and sewer funds, and that the department will seek to limit customer rate increases while addressing an aging transmission system that recently failed and displaced hundreds of households.

The Legislative Policy Division presented audited financial highlights for the year ended June 30, 2024, noting the Water Fund had operating income of about $32,000,000 and capital grants of about $46,000,000 (an increase in net position of roughly $70,000,000), and the Sewerage Disposal Fund had operating income of about $41,000,000 and capital grants near $25,000,000 (an increase of roughly $65,000,000). "DWSD's June 30, 2024 audited financial statements indicate that both the Water Fund and the Sewerage Disposal Fund had positive results," the presenter said during the meeting.

Why it matters: committee members pressed department leaders on affordability, planned capital spending and emergency response after a major transmission-line break in Jefferson Chalmers. Director Brown and DWSD finance staff said…