DETROIT – Last year, the Local 4 Defenders broke the story about Detroit's controversial water shut-offs. Now, a year later, after protests made national headlines, moratoriums and departmental reforms aimed to reduce shut-offs.
When the Detroit Water and Sewage Department starting shutting off water to commercial and residential customers 60 days behind on bills or owing more than $150, a debate erupted over whether water was a human right. Several groups appealed to the United Nations for support.
More than 15,000 customers had their service cut between March and June, although many have since had it restored.
The water department said the aggressive crackdown was needed because the department was responsible for about $6 billion of the $18 billion debt that pushed Detroit into bankruptcy. Unlike some debt that must be paid down by tax revenue, water department debt is covered by bill-paying customers.
April 16, 2014: Detroit tries to crack down on wasted water
Protesters said insufficient warning was given and not enough outreach done to help those who could simply not afford their bills.
"I say water isn't free. We have a cost. We have a fixed cost in order to clean the water that comes out of the river, and we have to maintain this business. I don't buy into the fact that water should be free," said Gary Brown, Detroit's chief operating officer. "I do buy into the fact that we need to help those that are at or below the poverty-level, and find as many resources that are available to give them help. Our customers who can pay should pay."
The city established a brief moratorium and set up information fairs for financial help. Thousands signed up for a payment plan. But the Local 4 Defenders learned the payment plans were not an effective solution. More than 70 percent of those who signed up are back in delinquency status.
"I wouldn't say that they're not working. I would say they need to be improved. It's more than just giving people financial assistance," Brown said.
Read: Detroit water department expanding aid for overdue bills
The water department is now modeling its payment plan after a successful one already in place at DTE Energy. The electric company doesn't just customers where they can get help, but working with them throughout the year.
We're going to be helping them with 25 percent of their future bills if you're 150 percent at or below the poverty level," Brown said. "There are a ton of services available and they need to contact us and we can make those services available and they can avoid shutoffs."
The next round of notices and shutoffs for commercial and residential customers begins in May.
Brown said he knows they may stir up some past wounds, but the message to residents is: pay if you can or ask for help if you can't.
Who is eligible for Detroit Water Fund assistance?
To qualify for assistance from the Detroit Water Fund, customers must:
- Be a Detroit residential water customer.
- Have an active DWSD Payment Plan Agreement
- Have an outstanding balance of between $300 and $2,000
- Maintain Average Water Usage for their household size
- Be enrolled in DTE's Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP); or, have income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of 4 must have an annual income below $35,775).
The funding is available on a first-come first-served basis and is subject to availability.
To confirm eligibility for the Detroit Water Fund, call 313-267-8000. To make a donation or apply online for help from the Detroit Water Fund, go to www.DetroitWaterFund.org.