Michigan residents facing the stress of high water bills, especially those on tight budgets, have a reason to look forward to relief. A new legislative push, backed by leaders from Southeast Michigan, is on the horizon to lighten the load. This isn’t just about making water bills more manageable; it’s also about ensuring our water systems get the vital upgrades they need. In essence, this move is a win-win: it helps keep water flowing affordably in our homes while making sure that the infrastructure delivering it is in top shape for everyone as officials hope to enhance the aging water infrastructure across the state.
During a recent press conference on Monday in Royal Oak, a diverse group of local officials from various communities across Southeast Michigan, extending from Ann Arbor to Warren all of which included Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, Royal Oak Mayor Mike Fournier, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Ann Arbor Mayor Chris Taylor, Warren City Councilwoman Melody Magee, and State Senator Stephanie Chang, united to voice their support for the introduction of Senate Bills 549-554. These bills lay the groundwork for the Michigan Water Affordability Program, a notable feature of which includes establishing comprehensive statewide protections against water shutoffs and a user-fee funded Water Affordability Fund aimed at preventing water service interruptions for senior citizens and low-income families. This initiative draws inspiration from a similar program that was successfully piloted in Detroit last year.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed his support, stating, “In Detroit, more than 28,000 households benefit from our DWSD Lifeline Plan to help them address past-due bills and establish monthly bills they can manage. Senator Chang’s legislation provides sustainable funding to provide residents in communities across Michigan access to affordable water service. This is a statewide need and I’m proud to stand with these leaders in support of this legislation so that all Michigan municipalities and townships can have the same access to affordable water services as Detroit residents.”
The proposed legislation outlines several key provisions aimed at enhancing water bill affordability and preventing service interruptions. It caps monthly water bills for participating households at no more than 3% of their annual income, facilitated by a sustainable $2 monthly user fee. The bills also propose a detailed notification process for water providers, mandating at least four contacts with delinquent customers before proceeding with service shutoffs for nonpayment. Additional measures include prohibiting service termination for customers enrolled in the Water Affordability Program, allocating funds for plumbing repairs, and clearing outstanding arrears over a two-year period for successful participants.
Senator Stephanie Chang highlighted the broader implications of the legislation, stating, “This legislation makes Michigan a national leader in providing accessibility and affordability to water, which every human being needs to live. The statewide water affordability legislation will help all Michiganders who are struggling to pay their water bills – including senior citizens, people on fixed incomes, and low-income water customers – afford their water bills. These comprehensive water affordability solutions are good for public health, smart for the financial stability of our water providers, and the right thing to do for our vulnerable residents.”
The initiative also draws parallels with existing energy assistance programs and emphasizes the public health benefits of ensuring access to clean water. Oakland County Executive David Coulter emphasized the human right to clean water, “This package of bills ensures that we help not only those households struggling to afford this essential need but also invest in the infrastructure that delivers water to nearly 1.3 million people in Oakland County and 10 million Michiganders.”
With over 317,000 Michigan households found to be behind on their water bills in 2020, and further research revealing the widespread nature of water affordability issues beyond urban centers, the proposed legislation represents a significant step towards addressing a critical statewide challenge. Warren City Council member Melody Magee echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from water shutoffs and the necessity of continued investment in water infrastructure.
As the legislative process moves forward, the widespread support from elected officials across Southeast Michigan underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to water affordability and infrastructure challenges facing the state.
