WHO WE ARE
We are a diverse coalition of organizations and leaders working to ensure clean, safe, affordable water in every tap. No exceptions. Our work will continue until Michigan becomes a national leader in water safety and affordability and no family ever receives a water bill beyond their means.
We are our own children’s fiercest advocates, and we support and fight for other moms who are struggling. Every kid deserves a warm bath. Every kid deserves clean water in their sippy cup.
But in Michigan, water is unaffordable. Michiganders pay some of the highest water bills in the country. Federal and state government have scaled back investments to maintain our water infrastructure, which has created crises like we saw in Flint.
There’s nothing moms can’t do when we band together for our kids.
Costs to improve our water system have been passed to Michigan families, resulting in a nearly 40% increase in water bills since 2010.
Did you know that once water is shut off in a home, a clock starts ticking?
Children can be separated from their parents in as little as 72 hours after a family loses water access. Outrageous water bills can and have ripped families apart.
The United Nations has even spoke against mass water shutoffs in Detroit, highlighting the inhumane and unjust decision to cut families off from a basic need in the midst of crisis. Water shutoffs are unjust and unnecessary.
But there is a better way.
With dedicated moms and advocates across Michigan, the Water Equals Life Coalition is fighting to ensure no family ever receives a water bill beyond their means. Our goal is to pass the Affordable Water Now legislative package (HB 4555, 5170, 5171, 5172, 5173) that would:
1
Ensure Universal Access
Guarantee that every individual has access to clean, safe, and affordable water
2
Implement Income-Based Rates
Mandate that water systems apply income-based rates to eligible customers capped at 3% of income, making certain that everyone pays a bill they can afford, including tenants
3
Restrict Water Shutoffs
Limit instances in which water utilities can disconnect a customer’s water service
4
4
Facilitate Debt Forgiveness
Guarantee that every individual has access to clean, safe, and affordable water
Resources
WEL Coalition Members
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