An Update on Water Woes in Detroit, Michigan

Last August Eric and I toured Detroit, Michigan.  We found a vibrant downtown, abandoned homes and businesses and acres of urban meadows.  Fascinated by the conditions in Detroit, I started following news stories on this troubled city.  

Detroit's image was tarnished earlier this summer when media reports of residents with delinquent water bills as small as $100.00 had their water service turned off.  Businesses that owe Detroit thousands of dollars for non payment of water bills continue to operate with running water.

Detroit stepped up pursuit of overdue water payments as the city faces Chapter 9 Bankruptcy proceedings.  The water shut offs prompted protests.  The City's Water and Sewage Department found itself under siege.

Photo from rt.com

Picked up by national news outlets, people came to the aid of beleaguered Detroiters.  A website was set up to accept donations to pay off these small delinquent water bills.  Canadians brought bottled water to Detroit to assist residents without water service.

The City of Detroit has stepped up to assist taxpayers with delinquent water bills.  Over a thousand residents who have received warnings of water shut offs and those whose water has been turned off came to Cobo Center to sign up for payment plans.  

Being able to pay ten percent of a $220.00 water bill and budgeting to make payments over twenty-four months is a great help to Ralph Hill.

The Detroit Water and Sewage Department added more payment options.  Residents and businesses can now pay water bills online with a credit card.