We believe that all Michiganders deserve access to safe, affordable drinking and sanitary water, but crises like Flint, ongoing toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie, and contaminated groundwater in cities across the state have made it clear that our existing policies are not enough to protect public health.
Safe drinking water requires stronger state standards, but also local advocacy. MEC is working with water experts, community leaders and residents to learn about the challenges they face and the resources they need to make our drinking water safe and affordable.
PRIORITIES
A moratorium on residential water shut-offs
Water utility policies to punish those unable to make the bills by shutting off water is a direct and dangerous health threat. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, which impacts rural, suburban and urban communities across the state. Access to clean water for drinking, bathing and washing hands is essential for a healthy life. The longer plumbing systems sit with no water running through them, the greater the risk damage and corrosion wil occur.
We have worked with an assembly of 15 water rights, social justice and environmental organizations and impacted residents to place moratoriums on shutting off residential drinking water. They come from across the state, from Benton Harbor to Oscoda to Detroit. A moratorium is our first step toward creating a just water utility system for all.
Read our recent work in support of Sen. Stephanie Chang's water moratorium bill here.
See how many neighbors are at risk of losing their water and urge your Senator to do something here.
Drinking Water Toolkit
The public has an important role to play in ensuring that water quality is properly monitored and that’s why we’re creating a free drinking water toolkit designed to help you understand water systems, safety, affordability and the steps you can take to protect your community from a devastating crisis like Flint has faced.
Citizen scientists played a key role in uncovering the Flint water crisis, and anyone can help with water testing, public education and outreach. The more involved, knowledgeable and engaged we are are residents, the more support we will build for the protection of our local water supplies.
To learn more and get involved, visit: midrinkingwater.org.