Fund Set Up To Help Distressed Pay Water, Other Utility Bills

DETROIT (WWJ) - The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department drew considerable criticism after shutting off water to thousands of customers in 2014.

After a summer of shut-offs, the Detroit Water Fund was set-up with the intention of helping Detroiters pay off those bills reports WWJ's Russ McNamara, and further relief is coming for the thousands still paying off their overdue Detroit water bills.

Over 1,400 residents have taken advantage of the water bill - matching program set up by Detroit Water and Sewerage so far, but there are about 30,000 who are still eligible.

United Way of Southeastern Michigan is helping with the program. Kristin Holt, a COO with United Way, says this isn't the only program you'll get approved for:

"We are able to get people qualified for not only utility assistance through DTE and THAW but also for the water fund so it makes it a good experience for the customer because they can ... go through one process and get assistance from both funds."

Holt says about 40,000 people are utilizing payment plans with the Water and Sewerage Department ..."any of them, if they meet the income requirements could apply and then there are an additional 30,000 people with past due balances between $1,000-$2,000 who could apply as well."

Find more information on eligiblity at DetroitWaterFund.org