A bill package from last year’s legislative session aimed at improving water affordability has been reintroduced in the Michigan Senate.

Senate Bills 248-256 would cap water rates for some residents living below the federal poverty line and protect them from shutoffs. The legislation also includes a funding mechanism to support water infrastructure.

First-term state Rep. Tonya Meyers Phillips, who represents Hamtramck, Highland Park and parts of Detroit, says water affordability is a moral issue.

“Water shutoffs disproportionately effect low-income families, seniors and communities of color,” Meyers Phillips said. “These are the same communities that already bear the brunt of environmental injustices.”

State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) is a co-sponsor of the bill package. She says around 300,000 Michigan households could benefit from a statewide water affordability program.

“Water is not just a resource,” Chang said. “It’s something that every human being needs in order to live, yet too many families in our state are struggling to afford their water bills or have in the past faced the threat of shutoffs.”

Chang says she expects the bills will receive bipartisan support and make their way to the House in the coming weeks.

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The Detroit Documenters play a crucial role in improving our access to public information. They’re at Detroit’s public meetings, taking thorough notes on what local officials and community members are saying. 

But their coverage also includes Highland Park, the small city surrounded by Detroit. Water has been an ongoing problem for Highland Park and it’s in the early stages of replacing its 115-year-old water system. 

Residents faced two boil water advisories in the last month, but still remain hopeful that system updates can lead to a more reliable system and cheaper water bills. 

Metro Producer Jack Filbrandt talked to Documenters Coordinator Noah Kincade and Michigan Public Data Reporter Adam Rayes to learn more about Highland Park’s system updates and water history. 

Rayes is also a Highland Park resident. Out of the many places he’s lived, he says the water bill has been the highest in Highland Park.

Residents are charged about $90 in additional fees that goes to system repairs and paying off the city’s Great Lakes Water Authority debt. 

“I’m looking at a bill of over $100 and if it wasn’t for those fees, I’d be paying way less,” Rayes said. “So it’s quite a hefty fee.”

The Heat and Warmth Fund, Wayne Metro Water Affordability Programs, and The Human Utility offer payment assistance and support to people living in Highland Park and across the metro area. 

Along with WDET, Michigan Public is one of Detroit Documenters’ media partners. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

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