Detroit mayor announces redesigned bill collection plan to reduce mass water service shutoffs

Detroit's mayor says the city will provide financial help for water customers in an effort to reduce mass service shutoffs that were the subject of protests and widespread criticism, including from the United Nations.

Mayor Mike Duggan made the announcement Thursday at City Hall. His office and Detroit water officials spent days redesigning how collections will be handled.

Detroit had been cutting off water to commercial and residential customers 60 days behind or owing more than $150. Several groups appealed to the U.N. for support, and three U.N. experts responded the shutoffs could constitute a violation of the human right to water.

More than 15,000 customers had service cut between March and June, although many have had it restored. Shutoffs have been halted until Aug. 25.