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Detroit residents press council over drainage fees as DWSD outlines new Lifeline H2O program
Summary
Residents at public comment urged the council to halt property seizure proceedings tied to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) drainage fee and asked for relief; DWSD/Hydrate Detroit said it will replace the Lifeline plan with a Lifeline H2O program ($34/month) for about 8,000 customers, with arrears handled through EasyPay.
Hundreds of Detroit residents used the council’s public‑comment period to press for immediate relief from the city’s drainage fee and to urge the council to prevent property seizures tied to unpaid water charges.
"This dismissal of the lawsuit now clears the way for Mayor Duggan and Conrad Mallett to potentially begin to work seizing the property of those who are behind on their water bills," Veronica Smith told the council, referring to a recent Michigan Supreme Court action. She urged the council to "ask general counsel Mallard not to begin any property procedures at this time."
Other callers described steep increases in combined bills since the drainage fee was added and warned the cost threatens small churches and businesses. Mark Lane asked the council to "look into" reversing drainage charges assessed on houses of worship. Pastor Luis O'Toole said the city receives about $100 million a year from the fee and said the local ruling differed from a Lansing case, adding that the fee has imposed serious burdens on congregations.
Council staff and representatives offered next steps. The chair said complaints about alleged election or ballot irregularities were forwarded to the clerk’s office for an investigative report and that the clerk’s office had published prior findings; she also invited staff to follow up in writing on specific cases.
Damico Williams, introduced as chief director, Hydrate Detroit, said DWSD will phase out the current Lifeline plan because of funding limits and launch a new Lifeline H2O program. "If you're 0 down on your water bill and paid, you will be enrolled in that program," Williams said, adding that Lifeline H2O will cost $34 per month and that roughly 8,000 customers are affected. Customers with arrearages must first enroll in EasyPay, he said.
Betty A. Varner, a caller who said she received a notice that her Lifeline benefits expire Sept. 30, 2025, asked whether all Lifeline customers received the same notice and what alternative programs exist for seniors and people on fixed incomes. The council said it would try to have a DWSD representative join the meeting or have DWSD staff follow up directly.
The council did not vote on any moratorium or action to stop seizures during the meeting. Veronica Smith asked the majority to "instruct general counsel Mallard not to begin any property procedures at this time;" that request appears as public comment and not a formal council motion.
The council’s next procedural steps included directing staff to provide written follow‑up from the clerk’s office and attempting to secure DWSD follow‑up for the caller who said her Lifeline notice listed a Sept. 30 expiration.
