Responding to the Detroit Water Crisis: The Great Lakes Water Authority and the City of Detroit

Abstract

This Note chronicles the Detroit water crisis and its impact on the City’s residents. Sabourin looks at the history of the Detroit water system and addresses how local government structure impacts public utilities. Sabourin then analyzes and critiques the Great Lakes Water Authority as an imperfect solution to the crisis. Sabourin proposes that Detroit and the surrounding areas create a representative institution allowing for democratically-elected representation. Representatives in the institution would consider the most adversely affected individuals and factors both related to and affected by water distribution.

Keywords

Michigan, Detroit, Water, water shutoffs, public utilities, Representatives, Great Lakes Water Authority

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Authors

Claire Sabourin (Washington University School of Law)

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