FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Christy McGillivray
christy.mcgillivray@sierraclub.org
808-726-5325
Justin Onwenu
313-405-5900
Sierra Club Applauds Detroit Mayor’s Decision to Guarantee Water Shut Off Moratorium through 2022
Detroit, MI -- Sierra Club applauds City of Detroit officials for listening to advocates and public health experts by committing to end the practice of water shutoffs through 2022. The lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Detroit where the pandemic has had a particularly deadly impact, makes it clear that we cannot deny residential water service to the City’s residents and claim to protect public health.
For two decades Detroit residents have been burdened with unaffordable water rate increases and high sewage bills. These unjust billing practices, and unaffordable water bills, have resulted in thousands of water shutoffs. Although today is a good step, DWSD Director Gary Brown made it clear that there will be no relief for the unjust water rates and unaffordable bills that have accumulated for Detroiters.
While Detroiters are protected from shutoffs through 2022, too many Michiganders are vulnerable to water shutoffs--this is not just a Detroit problem. Thousands of Michiganders outside of Detroit are facing unaffordable water bills as well, and the threat of water shutoffs looms. Sierra Club urges lawmakers in Lansing to immediately pass Senate Bill 241, which will ensure statewide access to safe running water while the pandemic continues.
“The City of Detroit has stepped in where the legislature has shirked its duty to make sure that Detroiters can wash their hands as the pandemic continues. We hope that elected officials in Lansing put the same basic public health measures in place for the entire state,” said Christy McGillivray, Political and Legislative Director for the Michigan Chapter of Sierra Club.
Justin Onwenu, Sierra Club’s Environmental Justice organizer lifted up the work that Detroiters have done for decades to make the connection between public health and running water. “For many years, activists have been saying what we know to be true, access to clean and affordable water is a human right that is inextricably linked to public health. This is a significant step and we look forward to seeing a permanent ban on shutoffs, as well as a commitment to true water affordability plans for all Michiganders,” said Onwenu.
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