Originally published by Outlier Media.
In the heart of Detroit, residents like Melissa Dettloff are grappling with changing water affordability initiatives. Residing in Russell Woods, Dettloff was part of Detroit’s water affordability plan until the recent announcement of its conclusion, which left many like her searching for alternatives.
Having previously benefited from the city’s Lifeline Plan, which saw participation from up to 29,000 households, Dettloff paid just $18 monthly for her water. However, the depletion of the program’s funds necessitated a reevaluation by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). Now, the revamped program, Lifeline H2O, accommodates only 5,000 households at a monthly rate of $34.
Dettloff, who faces rising costs in various aspects of her life, expressed her concern, stating, “My health insurance premiums are doubling, and all the copays are quadrupling, and nothing goes down. It’s the end of the year, and you’re finding out what new rate everything is going to be next year, and it’s all going up by a lot.”
Challenges with Enrollment
When the new program opened for applications, Dettloff immediately attempted to enroll but encountered technical issues. Despite contacting customer service, she faced difficulties accessing her account, highlighting the challenges residents face in securing affordable water services.
Eligibility and Application Process
Interested residents can apply for Lifeline H2O by visiting detroitlifeline.com or calling 313-435-2055. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and having no past-due balance.
Funding and Legislative Efforts
The initial Lifeline program, launched in 2022, anticipated serving 70% of Detroiters, with payments ranging from $18 to $56 based on income. Despite these plans, the program’s $15 million funding was quickly exhausted. The current iteration relies on $3.5 million from the Great Lakes Water Authority, covering just 5,000 households.
Detroit officials are also pursuing a share of the state’s $5 million allocation for water assistance programs. Furthermore, state Sen. Stephanie Chang is advocating for a permanent statewide fund to address water debt, proposing a $1.25 monthly fee on residential water meters.
Current Water Affordability Programs
Under the new Lifeline H2O, participants pay $34 monthly for up to 4,500 gallons of water, with additional usage charged at standard rates. Those unable to secure a place in the program are transitioned to DWSD’s EasyPay, which spreads past-due balances over 36 months.
Despite these efforts, critics argue the program falls short. Cecily McClellan from We the People of Detroit emphasized, “Detroiters need a program that provides real relief, not one that adds more barriers.”
For more details on the evolving water affordability situation in Detroit, visit the original article on Outlier Media.
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