Advocates press council on water affordability, urge action against Great Lakes Water Authority lease

Danico (Mico) Williams, chief executive director of Hydrate Detroit, told the Third District meeting that the city should codify existing water‑affordability measures and resist planned rate increases tied to the Great Lakes Water Authority lease.

“This is their fault. We're not paying for anything,” Williams said of his criticism of the Great Lakes Water Authority, and he urged residents to attend a rate‑increase meeting he identified as scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Water Board Building. Williams said the city should pursue legal and legislative steps to protect residents and called for federal and local action to ensure affordable, uninterrupted service.

He urged the council to implement earlier plans such as the city’s water affordability plan and to oppose water shutoffs, arguing that protections can be established by the city and through state action. Williams also thanked Detroit Water and Sewerage Department staff who worked in the Southwest Detroit response and asked residents to press federal and state representatives for support.

Why it matters: callers said water costs and potential shutoffs pose an urgent hardship for residents. Williams urged community mobilization in advance of a GLWA rate meeting and said the city should pursue codification and other measures to protect affordability.

What to watch: advocates asked the council to coordinate with community groups and the DWSD to prepare public comments and to pursue legal and legislative strategies if needed.