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Detroit: No Water Shutoffs for Next 15 Days

The disclosure was made in bankruptcy court where Judge Steven Rhodes is overseeing the nation's largest ever municipal bankruptcy.
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Detroit suspended its aggressive policy of cutting off water to customers with unpaid bills on Monday, the latest response to a controversy that has prompted large protests and caught the attention of the judge overseeing the city's bankruptcy. The city said there will be no shutoffs for the next 15 days. The disclosure was made in bankruptcy court where Judge Steven Rhodes is overseeing the nation's largest ever municipal bankruptcy. He has been encouraging Detroit to come up with alternatives to shutting off water for thousands of homes and businesses.

The issue gained national attention last month after activists appealed to the United Nations for assistance. About 2,000 people protested in Detroit last week during a national convention of liberal Democrats.

The water department stopped service to about 7,200 homes and businesses in June, compared to 1,570 in the same month last year. Water was restored to 43 percent after customers paid or worked out payment plans, though thousands more have been affected since last fall. Water department Deputy Director Darryl Latimer said the 15 days will be used to educate customers on how to cure their overdue bills and avoid shutoffs.

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-The Associated Press