On Saturday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive order directing public water utilities to immediately restore water service for every Michigander whose water has been shut off due to non-payment.
The order is effective for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, although some social justice groups and medical professionals argue that it should continue for longer. A grant program will also be implemented to reimburse high-risk areas for reconnecting their homes to water supplies, as the directive does not absolve anyone from paying past-due bills.