Fight The Water Affordability Crisis: Support policy that will end water shutoffs

Across Michigan, many households grapple with water rates that have become increasingly unaffordable. When people cannot afford to pay, they can lose access to the water they use to clean and cook, face more debt, and put the health of their family and their community at risk. At United Way, we believe that access to clean and affordable drinking water is a human right.

That’s why we’re asking the Michigan Legislature to pass Senate Bills 248-256. These bills would create a statewide water affordability program that would:

• Cap water payments at 2-3% of income for our lowest earning neighbors.
• Help low-income people pay for plumbing repairs that will conserve water and lower costs down the road.
• Protect people who need access to water because of specific health conditions from water shutoffs.

These efforts would put Michigan on the map as the first state in the nation to recognize that access to water is as vital as access to gas and electrical services. Join us in urging the legislature to protect water access!