Sewer Backups
Public Act 170 of 1964, as amended by Public Act 222 of 2001, requires that a person seeking compensation from the Downriver Utility Wastewater Authority (“DUWA”) for personal injury or property damage caused by a sewage disposal system event must provide written notice to DUWA within 45 days of the date the injury or damage occurred or was discovered. The written notice must contain your name, address, telephone number, the address of the affected property, the date of discovery, and any physical injuries or property damage you allege to have been caused by the sewage disposal system event. The written notice should also contain a brief description of the claim. The written notice must be submitted to the DUWA within 45 days. Otherwise, you may be precluded from recovering any damages you may be entitled to and you may be otherwise be barred from any other claim you may have. A written notice form is attached for your use. Please send written notice by mail or email to the DUWA System Manager as follows:
MAILING:
OHM Advisors
c/o DUWA System Manager
34000 Plymouth Rd
Livonia, MI 48150
EMAIL: DUWA@OHM-Advisors.com
No other individual, agency, authority, department, district, or office is authorized by DUWA to receive notice under the Act.
While DUWA owns and operates the Downriver Sewage Disposal System, DUWA does not own or operate any local collection systems. Thus, your local municipality or service provider should be notified of your claim directly. Your direct provider is usually the agency who sends your water and sewer bills. If you do not know your direct service provider, please contact your municipality.