Why Water Must Be Part of the Affordability Conversation in Michigan and Beyond

People who work in the water sector around the world recently celebrated World Water Day. A day when water researchers, advocates, and suppliers recognize the importance of access to water in everyday life. And yet, we know families in every corner of the world, across the United States, and throughout Michigan struggle to access this essential, lifesaving resource.

The conversation about affordability is happening in homes across the country. Families are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills, higher energy costs, higher rents, and the always-expensive cost of healthcare. The fact of the matter is, it is becoming more expensive just to live.

However, in all the affordability discourse, one essential cost continues to be left out: the increasing cost of water.

At a time when we are collectively examining what it takes to survive and thrive in the US, and the proliferation of data centers threatens our access to clean water, it is striking that it is rarely included in national public discussions about affordability. Unlike other expenses, water is not something people can live without. And yet, for hundreds of thousands of households, it is becoming increasingly difficult to afford.

In Michigan, researchers estimate that more than 300,000 households face unaffordable water and sewer costs, with bills exceeding the EPA-suggested affordability threshold of 3-4.5% of household income. This means that families across the state are paying far more than what is considered affordable just to keep water running in their homes. Additionally, between 12.1 million and 19.2 million households in the United States struggle to afford water, according to a 2024 study.

These numbers are not abstract. They represent real people who are forced to make impossible decisions every day. When families face unaffordable water bills, the consequences extend far beyond late payments or a growing debt. Without water, maintaining a safe and stable home becomes difficult, if not impossible. Children’s well-being is affected not only by the loss of basic hygiene and hydration, but also by the broader instability that can follow. In Michigan, children face the risk of being removed from their family home. Adults face barriers to maintaining employment, and entire communities are placed at greater risk of public health challenges, as we saw with the Hepatitis A breakout in Southeast Michigan, at the peak of the Flint and Detroit water crises.

Water cannot remain on the outside of affordability conversations. If we are serious about addressing the rising cost of living, then we must also be serious about ensuring that every household can access the most basic resource required for life.

The water affordability crisis in Michigan and across America has forced us to ask difficult questions about what people need to live with dignity and stability. Water must be part of that answer. It is essential. Our policies, conversations, and priorities must begin to reflect that reality.

Learn more about the Affordable Water Now legislative package, being shepherded by Michigan State Representatives Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City), Jimmie Wilson, Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), and the WEL Coalition, and take action to ensure that every Michigander has access to clean, safe, and affordable water.