Michiganders are facing a crisis: water bills are skyrocketing while federal and state investment in our water infrastructure crumbles. This means some families are paying as much as 25% of their income just to keep the water on. That's a choice between a warm bath for their child and putting food on the table. It's simply unacceptable.
This Goes Beyond Affordability, It's About Health and Wellbeing
WATER SHUTOFFS AREN'T JUST A FINANCIAL BURDEN, THEY HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES:
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Children's well-being: Studies show a link between water shutoffs and increased waterborne illnesses. When kids lack basic sanitation, they miss school and struggle to stay healthy.
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Family separation: In some cases, children can be removed from their homes within 72 hours of a water shutoff.
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Stress and hardship: The constant worry about water bills and the threat of shutoff creates a toxic environment for families.
We Can Do Better. We Deserve Better.
Michigan is a water-rich state, yet many families struggle to afford this essential resource. Rising water bills force families to make impossible choices between their basic needs and keeping the water on.
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Michiganders pay some of the highest water bills in the country. Costs to improve our aging water infrastructure have been passed on to families, resulting in a nearly 40% increase in water bills since 2010.
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Families are paying as much as 25% of their income on water alone. This forces them to make impossible choices between basic necessities.
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Shutoffs are a constant threat. Losing water access has devastating consequences, including increased illness, missed school, and even family separation.
Join the Movement for Water Justice
The WEL Coalition is fighting for a statewide water affordability package. This means:
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Tiered water rates: Lower bills for those who need it most.
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Limited water shutoffs: No family should lose access to this essential resource.
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Debt forgiveness: A path forward for those struggling with water bill debt.
