October 29, 2025
Media Contact: Jill Ryan, Executive Director, Freshwater Future – jill@freshwaterfuture.org, (231)348-8200
Affordable Water Now Package Would Raise Living Standards for All
Affordable water protects health and dignity for every Michigan family
PETOSKEY, MI (October 29, 2025) – The Affordable Water Now Legislative Package, introduced by Representatives Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing), Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint), Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City), and Jimmie Wilson (D-Ypsilanti), will give all Michigan residents access to safe, affordable water, without fear of shutoffs or unaffordable bills. They stand with advocates from the Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition, co-founded by Freshwater Future, in setting a new standard for affordable water policy that strengthens public health, protects vulnerable families, and ensures the financial stability of water providers.
“Affordable water is not just about cost, it’s about health,” said Representative Emily Dievendorf. “Average annual water rates have nearly doubled. There is no reason for water to be this expensive, and it should not be. That is why our Affordable Water Now package tackles this need and makes water more affordable.”
Supporters of the proposed legislation emphasized that the package provides economic and health protections by:
- Providing access: Ensure everyone has safe, affordable water.
- Using Income-Based Rates: Capping bills at no more than 3% of monthly income so all households, including tenants, can afford their water bill.
- Stopping Shutoffs: Limit when utilities can disconnect services.
- Forgiving Debt: Create pathways for water debt forgiveness.
“The Affordable Water Legislative Package will mean truly affordable water based on income and will significantly improve living standards for Michigan families,” said Jill Ryan, Executive Director of Freshwater Future. “Access to affordable water reduces disease and hardship for our neighbors, friends, and families. It means people don’t have to choose between paying the water bill and buying essentials like medicine or food. From Hancock to Hamtramck, and from the Soo to Benton Harbor, affordable water will make Michigan safer and more livable, helping families thrive.”
WEL Coalition advocates celebrate the introduction of Michigan’s Affordable Water Now Legislative Package in Lansing, Michigan, on October 29, 2025.
For more information:
Freshwater Future – freshwaterfuture.org
Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition – www.welcoalitionorg
