Water is life–but for approximately 40% of Michigan residents – 4,056,000 Michiganders – that life-sustaining resource could get a lot more expensive. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has recently proposed the largest water and sewer rate hikes in over a decade–7.73% for water and 5.39% for sewer services–which are set to go into effect July 1, 2025 if approved. These rate hikes come as the decade-long 4% cap on rate increases expires this year. These proposed increases to both sewer and water rates place an even heavier burden on families that are already grappling with high utility bills and crippling inflation.
GLWA is justifying the rate increases by pointing to rising material costs, deferred system maintenance, and critical infrastructure improvements. However, many community leaders and water advocates question whether pushing these costs onto ratepayers is the right solution. Let’s be clear: these rates will not affect everyone equally. Low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and marginalized communities will feel the impact the most. Some residents will face impossible choices between buying groceries or paying for their water.
Water is not a luxury, it is a basic human right. Yet, every year, more Michiganders are priced out of their own water systems. At Freshwater Future, we believe that everyone has the right to clean, affordable water. That is why we helped to found the Water Equals Life (WEL) Coalition, a network of community leaders, water advocates, and residents who are committed in their fight against water injustice. The WEL Coalition was founded in 2023 and has been on the front lines to ensure water affordability ever since. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by unfair water policies, WEL has continued to push for transparent and equitable water rates. Your help is needed to hold GLWA accountable for decisions that threaten both economic stability and public health of Michiganders.
However, we cannot do this alone. We need you to stand with us.
The GLWA Board of Directors is holding a public hearing on February 26, 2025 where they will vote on these proposed rate hikes. The public can provide input during the February 26 hearing, which makes this your chance to stand up and have your voice heard!
Join the Public Hearing:
- Date: February 26, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- In Person: Water Board Building, 735 Randolph Street, 5th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
- Join Virtually: Zoom Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 864 7166 7249 | Passcode: 297061
The fight for affordable water is not just about bills. It is also about community health, dignity, and human rights. Together, we can stop these unjust rate hikes from happening and demand a future where clean and affordable water is available to all Michiganders. Join Freshwater Future, the WEL Coalition, and countless others as we say NO to unfair water rates. Water equals life, and it’s time we start treating it that way.
