DPS Frequently Asked Questions

The trash truck went by and didn't get all my items!

The item may not have been properly prepared for pick-up, look for a tag indicating this. Also, separate trucks are used for each type of pick-up (regular trash, yard waste, recycling, and large items). The truck for the item may be running late. Call the DPS the next morning and we will find out from our Contractor why the item was not picked up.

The street light in front of my house is out, who do I contact?

The City of Woodhaven has been working with Detroit Edison's Community Lighting group to expedite the repair and maintenance of the streetlights in our community. In the event of a streetlight outage, please fill out this form at https://www.dteenergy.com/cso/pltr/initTrouble.do if you're having difficulties please call the DPS at (734)675-4919 with the following information:

1. A specific streetlight location (i.e. the nearest cross roads, nearby business, etc.)
2. Whether the pole is wooden or metal.
3. The streetlight pole number (for metal poles it is located at the base of the streetlight pole. For wood poles it is located approximately eight feet up the pole.
4. Details about the outage (i.e. light off during the night, light turns on and off at night, light stays on during the day, etc.)

In cases where a pole has been knocked down or any other emergency please call Detroit Edison at 1-800-477-4747.

What do the different colors of spray paint on streets and sidewalks mean?

The spray paint indicates the location of underground utilities as follows:

Blue - Water Systems
Orange - Telephone, Fire and Police Communication
Green - Sewers/Storm Drains
Yellow - Oil & Gas
Brown - Sewer Systems
Red - Electric Ground Lines
Pink - Surveying
Purple - Cable TV

My homeowners insurance company says I'm in a flood plain and need flood insurance. How can I confirm or refute this?

Flood plain maps prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are available for viewing at the Building Department. The floodplain boundaries shown on the maps are approximate. The services of an Engineer or Surveyor would have to be obtained and grade elevations checked for an accurate determination.

I've looked at the information on the DPS website and cannot find the answer to my question, who do I contact?

For Water or Sanitary Sewer issues check the Water/Sewer section of the website or contact the Water Department at (734) 675-4908. They are not a part of the DPS. For DPS issues contact the DPS at (734) 675-4919 For issues regarding West, King, Vreeland, Allen, or Van Horn Road contact the Wayne County Roads Hotline at 1-888-ROAD CREW. These roads are under their control, not the city's. For issues regarding the creeks and drains (Brownstown Creek, Blakely Drain, Marsh Creek, etc.) contact the Wayne County Drains at 1-888-223-2363 Open drains within the city are under their jurisdiction. For Air Quality issues, contact the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at (313) 456-4700.