Water Shutoffs During COVID-19 and Black Lives: Case Study Detroit

Abstract

The present water shutoff crisis in Detroit, which has deepened with the spread of COVID-19, exists within an historical context of decades-old government-sanctioned racial residential segregation policies that continue today. This includes the decrease in black homeownership and wealth, integration, and democratically elected governance. Information collected by local grassroots organizations, Detroit newspaper reports, and academic research, specific to the metropolitan area, reveal the interrelationships among banking/housing industries, water access, and government policies. The result has been diversions of taxpayer money away from affordable housing, home loans, and public services (i.e., water). Instead, public resources are distributed to support those in powerful political and economic positions. Although water has not been formally privatized, we argue that a system of commodification exists, which taxes/fines the impoverished black population of the City of Detroit, but provides free and/or reduced water rates to the elites and largely white suburban population. The immediate actions required are reconnecting household water, providing affordable housing, redirecting taxpayer funds to the benefit of the public good, and government transparency and accountability. Collaborative networks of local environmental organizations, including mostly black participants, are leading the public opposition to these policies and directly link water shutoffs to public health. We suggest that future research efforts focus on work that increases the public awareness of the systemic linkages among water shutoffs, public health, racist social structures, housing patterns, and government policies. Continued active democratic participation of community residents must be a priority in future research and organizing activities.

Exploring the invisible water insecurity of water utility shutoffs in Detroit, Michigan

“…An underlying feature of this economic decline is the history of discrimination that is inextricably linked with the story of Detroit. This connection is important because it underscores the city's history of discriminatory housing practices and the disproportionate impacts on the Black community of deindustrialization and disinvestment that continue to plague its residents (Sugrue, 1996; Moody et al, 2022 ). Currently, Detroit ranks as the most segregated city in America; the City of Detroit is 78% Black, while the suburbs are 68% White and 23% Black (Menendian et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Additionally, there was pressure on pensioners to accept lower payouts to prevent the sale of pieces from the Detroit Institute of Art collection (Presbey, 2015 ). The sale of foreclosed properties at deep discounts also appears to have benefited speculators and other private interests more than families aspiring to homeownership (Presbey, 2015 ; Peck and Whiteside, 2016; Schindler, 2016 ; Moody et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Studies note several inequities associated with the GLWA leasing agreement (We the People of Detroit, 2016; Recchie et al 2019 ; Moody et al, 2022 ). Under the restructuring agreement between DWSD and GLWA, suburban users of the water system are charged wholesale rates by GLWA, and city dwellers pay retail rates (Mesmer et al, 2020).…”

Government failure or irresponsible residents? Framing Detroit’s water shutoffs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Furthermore, only one opinion article focused on structural issues and their role in the water shutoffs. As local activist and observers have noted, the City of Detroit has a water fee structure that charges its residents-of whom many fall at or below the poverty line-much higher rates for water than customers living in the suburbs (Moody et al, 2021). By excluding this aspect of the water shutoffs and by relying on citysponsored narratives (through the use of official sources in 86% of news stories compared with just 30% including community voices), local news coverage is upholding the abjection of Detroit residents experiencing the water shutoffs.…”

“…a system of com-modification exists, which taxes/fines the impoverished black population of the City of Detroit, but provides free and/or reduced water rates to the elites and largely white suburban population. (Moody et al, 2021, p. 1)…”