New Detroit Water Shut-Off Notices Going Out, Along With Aid

DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit water department is preparing to issue shut-off warnings to residents with delinquent accounts.

Shutoffs last year prompted protests and drew the attention of the United Nations, but efforts are taking place this year to get residents on payment plans.

The Detroit News says that about 20,000 to 25,000 residential water accounts are delinquent. It says customers will start getting notices on Monday giving them 10 days to get assistance or face having their service shut off.

Last month, the department said it's increasing assistance to low-income customers with overdue bills.

It says the Detroit Water Fund will cover up to 50 percent of past-due amounts for households that owe $300 to $2,000 and will pay as much as 25 percent of future bills for up to a year.