Since 2010, Detroit has shut off water to almost 170,000 households.  Removing water access or water insecurity  is an attack on the health of women, their children, their families and the elderly.  Several studies have documented the emotional and social tolls of water insecurity, including a  study conducted by We the People of Detroit Community Research Collective, published in the Journal of Public Health. Water insecurity impedes maternal and infant health, the ability to care for young children through physical, psychosocial, nutritional and economic pathways.  Detroit families have some of the highest rates of prenatal and postnatal mortality rates (in the country, state, source?) and some of the highest rates of households without water service (confirm if this is true)  making it a serious reproductive justice issue. 

Water is life giving, life sustaining, and lifesaving. A United Nations report in 2014 found Detroit’s water shutoffs violate international human rights.   

Wisdom Institute is dedicated to having water considered an essential resource that must be available to all. The Wisdom Institute believes that everyone deserves access to clean affordable water. Working collectively in the community, we will build a framework through co-created opportunities to educate and agitate the larger community to rise up and take action to stop the inhumane practice of water shutoffs!

The Wisdom Institute is taking actions to make water a human right in Detroit.  Complete this form to join our email list. Link to join email list