OPINION: Unfettered access to clean water is a human right

Although not specifically stated in the U.S. Constitution or other similar legal documents, unfettered access to adequate supplies of clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing is a human right. Without this right, there could be no life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness. 

Many people do not give access to clean water much thought unless or until there is a threat to their access to clean water. Several years ago, we heard the outcry for clean water in Flint, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, an outcry for clean water was heard in Jackson.

In Jackson, city officials requested and received federal assistance in the form of millions of dollars. Ted Henifin was appointed as the so-called third-party manager of Jackson’s water system (JXN Water).

All seemed rosy and well, in the beginning. Much work was done to repair and replace machinery and equipment to ensure fewer problems with the continuous flow of clean water. Many people were quite pleased.

Now, however, other issues have surfaced which threaten the right to clean water access for many residents. Among these issues are water customer complaints about accurate billing, JXN Water seeking rate increases for water and sewage usage, and JXN Water’s use of garbage pickup fees.

Many customers’ water bills now are so enormous that they simply cannot afford to pay what is being asked of them. Too many are being threatened with termination of their water services. Too many have had their water services terminated.

JXN Water bills and collects money for water/sewage usage and garbage pickup services. Several years ago, Councilman Kenneth Stokes proposed that billing/collection of garbage pickup fees be separated from billing/collection of water/sewage usage fees. His proposal was rejected and JXN Water was authorized to bill/collect for water/sewage usage and garbage pickup. It now is being reported that JXN Water is using garbage pickup payments to cover JXN Water expenses. 

At this point, we have what appears to be a growing problem with an independent entity – JXN Water – that many Jacksonians complain is so out of touch with the reality of their economic circumstances they are being denied access to clean water.

As responsible citizens in a democracy, it is incumbent upon us to request our city officials, JXN Water, and others to resolve the water issues and ensure all Jackson residents enjoy clean water. Jackson should not lose its ability to guarantee and protect this fundamental human right to clean water.