Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday that the state will pick up the cost for Detroit residents to have water service re-connected for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. Approximately 3,000 households in the city may be without water service for non-payment.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, but Whitmer said the virus is spreading so quickly, it’s just a matter of time.
“I think today’s announcement will go a long way toward ensuring that people have access to water, especially during this health crisis, and we will be, you know, a good partner in that,” she said.
Whitmer said the state will pick up the tab for the first 30 days of service once a household’s water is re-connected. After that, the monthly bill will be $25 for the duration of the crisis.
The governor said the action was required to ensure people have access to water for bathing and hand-washing.
“So we are moving quickly, thoughtfully, and making sure that we make decisions that are based on facts and science and the law,” she said.
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