Water surcharge right thing to do

Water affordability is not just a human rights issue. It is also an issue of economic viability for communities throughout Macomb County.

Water affordability is directly connected to infrastructure needs. In 2016, then-Governor Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commissions recommended $1 billion in annual infrastructure spending related to water delivery services, through 2036, to ensure water quality, safety, and accessibility (Source: Bridge Magazine).

Michigan is falling short of this mark. For its share, Macomb County is as well. Water affordability is directly tied to economic sustainability, not just social justice.

As communities in Macomb County face aging infrastructure, both inner-ring suburban communities as well as more northern and more affluent enclaves, the cost of maintaining expanded infrastructure is outstripped by current tax revenue to meet this need. Since water affordability impacts communities across a wide spectrum of socio-economic demography it becomes a bi-partisan, multi-community matter.

The costs of inaction are significantly more expensive for taxpayers than taking proactive measures to improve water infrastructure access. We already subsidize public service costs in other areas, such as the $.42 per month mobile phone surcharge, passed by the Macomb County Commission, to support 911 services in the county (Source: The Macomb Daily).

This week the Macomb County Commission can take a proactive stance and pass a sensible, $2 per month/household surcharge for water affordability. It is the right thing to do for our most vulnerable residents and the smart thing to do, to ensure economic viability in Macomb County.