Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill that will temporarily ban water shutoffs in Michigan.
The law bans providers from shutting off water because of unpaid bills, and requires that water be restored in homes where it’s been shut off through the end of March.
Providers will now be required to notify customers why their water is being shut off and provide applications for programs that can make rates more affordable.
The law also caps the fee for restoring water service at $150 dollars. The new law isn’t expected to cost the Department of Health and Human Services anything, but it could mean a higher rate from a customer's local water utility.