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.

OUR SUPPORTERS

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College students have fueled the most important social justice movements in US history.

Today, as we fight for climate action we can’t lose sight of environmental injustice right under our noses. We can stop water shutoffs and keep water flowing in every home.

But right now in Michigan, water is unaffordable. Michiganders pay some of the highest water bills in the country. Federal and state governments have scaled back investments to maintain our water infrastructure, which has created crises like we saw in Flint.

Costs to improve our water system have been passed to Michigan families, resulting in a nearly 40% increase in water bills since 2010.

Michigan is a water-rich state and we have more than enough to meet everyone’s needs.

However, poor decisions and investment from the state are creating a crisis of affordability, meaning those already struggling face excessive barriers to keeping the water on at home.

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.

We can fix this injustice.

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

Facilitate Debt Forgiveness

Provide a process for customers to receive forgiveness of their water debt

JOIN US. We are only as powerful as the voices in our corner.

Right now, the WEL Coalition is urging local and state lawmakers to commit to championing policies that will end the crisis of affordability in our communities.

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