Michigan lawmakers lead effort to establish permanent water affordability program to help low-income households access safe drinking water.
Tlaib, Dingell Call for Permanent Low-Income Water Assistance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) have introduced the Half-Century Update for Water Access and Affordability Act (H2O UP Act), a landmark proposal aimed at establishing the first permanent federal program to assist low-income households with water bills. The legislation, unveiled on Wednesday, would empower the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to offer financial aid for drinking water, technical support to community water systems, and detailed data collection for public utilities, all under a $20 billion annual budget for the next decade.
Water Shutoffs Highlight Dire Need for Change
“Safe, accessible, and affordable drinking water is essential to public health, yet millions of families face shutoffs due to unaffordable bills,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, emphasizing the urgent need for a federally supported program. Congresswoman Dingell echoed this sentiment, noting that “too many families struggle to cover the cost of water, facing fear and uncertainty in their daily lives.”
Michigan, particularly the Detroit metro area, has experienced some of the nation’s most severe water affordability crises. Activists have long argued that water shutoffs disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities, highlighting the urgency of a solution.
Program to Bridge Critical Assistance Gaps
The proposed legislation seeks to build on previous efforts, such as the pandemic-era Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, which temporarily prevented shutoffs and provided critical relief. The H2O UP Act aims to make these supports permanent, addressing long-standing issues of water infrastructure funding and service affordability.
The Act would amend Part E of the Safe Drinking Water Act to formally establish a Low-Income Drinking Water Assistance Program within the EPA, with provisions for household assistance, systemic upgrades, and comprehensive community involvement through local advisory committees. The plan has garnered widespread support, with endorsements from over 40 national and regional organizations, including PolicyLink, Earthjustice, and Michigan-based groups such as We The People of Detroit.
Bipartisan Support Crucial for Swift Passage
Despite broad coalition backing, the success of the H2O UP Act will hinge on bipartisan support in Congress. Advocates emphasize that the stakes are high, as thousands of Michigan families currently face mounting water debt or service disruptions due to unaffordable bills.
“This legislation ensures that all Americans, regardless of income, have access to one of life’s most essential resources,” said Monica Lewis-Patrick, CEO of We The People of Detroit. She stressed the significance of local input and stakeholder engagement in program implementation, framing the legislation as a transformative step toward “water justice.”
Addressing Systemic Inequities in Water Costs
For many Michigan families, the crisis is about more than access; it’s about dignity, security, and health. Water affordability and shutoffs remain central issues for environmental justice advocates and community leaders throughout the state. The H2O UP Act offers a pathway to address both immediate needs and systemic disparities in water service delivery, potentially setting a new federal standard for equitable access.
If successful, Michigan residents could see increased stability and peace of mind, knowing their basic water needs will not come at the expense of other essentials, such as food and healthcare.
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