Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department approves to "Revise the current Lifeline H2O Policy" repealing section 6.4.1 of the policy and approve the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's Lifeline (H2O) Policy V2.2 for Water Affordability and, authorizes the Director to take such action(s) to any associated or related Lifeline H2O policies as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
Body
Agenda of February 18, 2026
Item No. 2026-34
Amount: $0.00
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Lifeline H2O policy
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Chief of Staff and Chief Customer Service Officer, Matthew Phillips, The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department approves to "Revise the current Lifeline H2O Policy" repealing section 6.4.1 of the policy and approve the City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's Lifeline (H2O) Policy V2.2 for Water Affordability and authorizes the Director to take such action(s) to any associated or related Lifeline H2O policies as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
JUSTIFICATION
Repeal Section 6.4.1 of the policy as we recognize low-income households in Detroit may face financial stress and accrue a past due balance, preventing eligibility into the program. Repealing this eligibility requirement ensures the households in greatest need receive the affordability benefits and intent of the Lifeline H2O program.
BACKGROUND
Section 6.4.1 of the H2O policy states; Eligibility and Prior Arrearages. To qualify for enrollment in the Lifeline H2O Plan, the Account Holder must not have a balance past due and no Program Arrearages. Any past-due balance must be resolved prior to enrollment. Accounts who enter Lifeline H2O with a balance forward will be responsible for the entire balance owing at the end ...
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