For many, "Imagine a Day Without Water" is just a campaign to raise awareness. But for countless Michiganders across urban, rural, and suburban areas, it's not a hypothetical—it’s a daily reality. There are many reasons someone might have to go without water. We’ve seen mass contamination of drinking water in areas like Flint, where residents to this day don’t trust the water from their taps. We’ve seen very recently how severe storms can wipe out water supplies as dams crumble and entire communities and their water infrastructure are swept away.
But there’s another reason that hundreds of thousands of people right here in Michigan must grapple with the idea of living through their own countless “days without water.” Water bills have soared by up to 320% in some areas, making safe, clean water unaffordable and out of reach.
Water Shutoffs: A Policy Failure, Not a Personal One
Water shutoffs are an unjust policy failure, not a reflection of personal mismanagement. Too many Michigan families fear losing access to clean water simply because they cannot keep up with rising costs. When a family loses water, the effects are immediate: children can be removed from their homes, diseases spread, and debt mounts. These outcomes are the result of failed policy decisions that push the burden of infrastructure onto those who can least afford it.
Water Affordability: A Statewide Issue
Water unaffordability isn’t limited to big cities; it affects communities statewide. From Lansing to Benton Harbor to Petoskey, families are experiencing skyrocketing bills. Federal and state underinvestment in water infrastructure has left the costs of maintaining and improving these systems on the shoulders of Michigan households. For some, water bills now consume up to 25% of their income, forcing impossible choices between basic needs like water and food.
WEL Coalition’s Vision: A Future Without “Days Without Water”
The Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition is leading the fight for true water affordability. Our goal is clear: no family in Michigan should ever receive a water bill beyond their means. We are pushing for an income-based tiered water rate, permanent elimination of water shutoffs, lower bills for all Michiganders, and a path to debt forgiveness for those already struggling. By advocating for policies that address water affordability, we can ensure a future of safe, affordable water in every tap. No exceptions.
As we mark "Imagine a Day Without Water," let’s acknowledge the ongoing struggle for thousands of Michiganders who already live without it. Water is a basic human right, and the time for change is now. With the work of the WEL Coalition and our growing grassroots movement, we can end this crisis and ensure that no one is forced to imagine—or live through—another day without water.
We need more everyday Michiganders joining our call for a statewide water affordability policy. Sign our petition to urge policymakers to commit to a water affordability pledge and help make a difference for families across Michigan.
This is such a powerful blog post - the title is gut-wrenching! Thank you for all the work you do in keeping the public informed!