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Water is a human right. It cannot be withheld from anyone simply because they can’t afford to pay a high rate for it.
It is estimated that well over 140,000 households in Detroit have had their water shut off at one time over the years as rates rose, infrastructure crumbled, and the tax base eroded. Private entities have gradually taken over parts of the public water system in Michigan communities.
Background
For decades, Detroiters have struggled to pay their water bills, and prior to the pandemic, thousands of households were behind on their water bill and had their water shut off. Families have faced immense harm beyond the financial harm from unaffordable rates, some of which include:
- having a lean put on their homes,
- having their water shutoff with high financial and time penalties,
- having their children taken away due to "negligence",
- and social stigma.
Water shutoffs during COVID
Detroit was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, where over 30,000 residents died in the first 2 years. Hospitals were overrun and thousands of households were without running water and proper sanitation, causing outbreaks of additional diseases. Between the extreme impact to Detroit residents, and the realization in communities across the state that they too were at risk of having their water shutoff due to the vast challenges the pandemic posed. This created a moment unlike any other, where the health and safety ramifications of water shutoffs could not be ignored, and impacted individuals started sharing their stories, shedding light of the regionally, racially, and economically diverse situations where families were impacted. Through efforts in sharing these stories out and pushing for both water affordability laws and for a moratorium on water shutoffs, many residents saw relief for a couple of years.
Post pandemic
Water shutoffs have begun again, impacting families across the state, but concentrated in the areas that are already underserved, such as Detroit, Hamtramck, Flint, and more. MCWC is continuing our partnership with People's Water Board Coalition of Detroit in efforts to see broad reform in our laws to protect people in their right to clean, affordable and safe drinking water. Part of the push is a call for a statewide water affordability plan that will ensure that families are not priced out of having running water in their homes.
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MCWC Position's
Water is a basic human right and every person deserves equitable access to safe, affordable, clean water at home.