FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 28, 2020
EGLE Contact: McDiarmidJrH@michigan.gov
Gov Contact: BrownT56@michigan.gov
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer calls for water reconnections statewide, establishes fund to help communities comply
Clean water for sanitation essential to protection from COVID-19 virus
LANSING, MICH – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer took strong steps today to ensure at-risk households have access to clean water for hand washing and sanitation through an executive order requiring the reconnection of service to residences that have had water service shut off. A $2-million Water Restart Grant Program will help communities comply with the order.
“This is a critical step both for the health of families living without a reliable water source, and for slowing the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Whitmer. “We continue to work to provide all Michiganders – regardless of their geography or income level – the tools they need to keep themselves and their communities protected.”
The order requires public water suppliers to immediately identify residences in their service area that do not currently have water service, and to make best efforts to restore service to homes where the service has been disconnected due to non-payment or damaged infrastructure. The order also includes reporting and accountability requirements.
The order is effective for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. It does not absolve anyone from responsibility for past-due bills.
more at: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387-90499_90640-523415–,00.html
