Like many states in America, water affordability is a significant concern in Michigan, affecting both rural areas and major cities. The challenges faced by Michigan's water infrastructure are multi-faceted. Rural areas often struggle with limited water resources and aging infrastructure, while urban areas face increasing water demand and aging pipes. These factors contribute to the rising cost of water, making it unaffordable for many residents. An estimated 1 in 10 families struggle with the cost of this essential resource, and while the EPA contends that water and sewer services should only account for up to 4.5% of a household’s monthly income, many have rates as high as 25%.[1]

To guarantee equal access to clean water for all Michiganders, policymakers and organizations are actively collaborating to implement comprehensive policies that aim to make water services more affordable and accessible for all Michigan residents. These efforts involve a combination of regulatory measures, financial assistance programs, and public-private partnerships that leverage resources and expertise to develop innovative solutions to address the issue.

At the federal level, last year Reps. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large) introduced the Water Access Act. The legislation would allocate $500 million to the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in 2024 to assist with water and wastewater bills as well as reconnection fees.[2]

At the state level, organizations, like Water Equals Life (WEL) and We the People of Detroit, are advocating for policies that would establish income-based assistance programs, regulate water rates, provide protection against shutoffs, institute a debt forgiveness program, and set a cap for low-income residents.[3]

By working together, policymakers and organizations aim to create a sustainable water affordability framework in Michigan to ensure that every Michigander has access to this essential resource.

[1] Farah Siddiqi, Michigan News Connection. “Michigan Residents Pay among Highest Water Bills in U.S.” Detroit Metro Times, Detroit Metro Times, 3 Feb. 2024, www.metrotimes.com/news/michigan-residents-pay-among-highest-water-bills-in-us-34109175.

[2] “Tlaib, Dingell, Blunt Rochester Introduce Water Access Act.” Rashida Tlaib, 6 Oct. 2023, tlaib.house.gov/posts/tlaib-dingell-blunt-rochester-introduce-water-access-act.

[3] Allnutt, Brian. “Michigan Group Looks to Grow a Statewide Coalition for Water Affordability.” Planet Detroit, 20 Jan. 2024, planetdetroit.org/2023/12/michigan-group-looks-to-grow-a-statewide-coalition-for-water-affordability/#:~:text=The%20coalition%2C%20which%20includes%20We,Wildlife%20Federation’s%20Great%20Lakes%20office.