Support State Action on Water
People can encourage our state legislature to pass laws that would guarantee safe, affordable, and clean water to everyone. The statewide legislation effort is the result of decades of work guided by values that center water as a human right and a sacred trust. The specific legislative opportunity has been sparked by the work of State Senator Stephanie Chang and reflects the best thinking of literally hundreds of community conversations, citizen and university researchers, and water advocates from across the state.
Many people are aware of concerns for water rooted in the poisoning of the people of Flint, the dangers of PFAS, and the massive water shut offs in Detroit. But these issues, which garnered media attention, point to a much broader problem in our state. A recent study by the University of Michigan provides a deeply troubling picture of water affordability, explaining that water is becoming increasingly unaffordable, that infrastructure is crumbling, and our methods of financing are simply unstable in rural, urban and suburban communities.
Co-author of the study Ritchie Harrison, extension specialist at MSU Extension’s Community, Food and Environment Institute said, “These issues are not just experienced in vulnerable households in Flint, Detroit or Benton Harbor, they are also experienced in economically challenged parts of rural Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, including households on private wells, septic systems and those in mobile homes. It is important to recognize the similarities in these economic challenges and how they impact communities across the state.”
Elin Betanzo of Safe Water Engineering, another co-author, explained, “This report demonstrates the need for household support and utility investment from all levels of government. Raising water rates, without supporting those least able to pay, will not ensure safe water for the residents who need it most.”
The report documents a dramatic increase in the cost of water.
In the Midwest, water bills for households in the lowest 20th percentile of income have risen 433% on average since 1986, while household income for these residents has only risen 241%
Between 6.69% and 10.75% of households on community water supplies across Michigan have high-burden water bills. It would take between $78.3 million and $145.99 million annually to support these households.
Rural Michigan residents on private wells and septic systems face economic challenges similar to their urban and suburban neighbors. Roughly 20% of wells and 27% of septic systems are in need of repair or replacement.
The 21st Century Infrastructure Commission (2016) estimated an annual cost of $20 million to support those unable to afford septic replacement costs alone.
The cost of providing water and sewer servies has been rising for decades nationally, while federal spending on water infrastructure has decreased, creating a widening investment gap in water infrastructure. In MIchgan, the study found a gap in the 20-year estimated water infrastructure funding needs of $19.8 billion.
The cost of providing water and sewer services has been rising for decades nationally, while federal spending on water infrastructure has decreased, creating a widening investment gap in water infrastructure. In Michigan, the study found a gap in the 20-year estimated water infrastructure funding needs of $19.8 billion.
Water utilities are stretched thin, having also been subject to increasing state and federal requirements to address known and emerging risks, such as combined sewer overflows, lead service lines, and PFAS contamination. In addition, climate change has added pressure to strained wastewater systems and can affect source-water quality.
The research also documents that a sustainable approach to water, linked to charging people 2% to 3% of household income, can provide a foundation for a system that provides water to everyone, avoids disruptions in services, and enables systematic repairs and advancement of infrastructure.
There will be a town hall meeting hosted by Speaker Pro Tempore Laurie Pohutsky on June 12 at 4:30 at the Redford District Library. You can attend virtually or in person. You can also take the Water Affordability here and lend your support to creating policies that reflect our best values of caring for each other as we care for the earth and waters that sustain us.
Catch this Water Affordability Town Hall taking place live on Facebook and in person at the Redford District Library. The event will be hosted by Pro Tem Laurie Pohutsky - MI District 17: Monday, June 12, 4:30-6:30pm, Redford District Library, Meeting Room A/B - Join FB Live here.