UNITED STATES—Think about all the things we have to pay for in everyday life, is there one thing that you think should be free to all humans? If so what is it? Well there is a massive debate brewing in the city of Detroit that is beginning to garner national attention and it all involves something that we all need to survive: water. Water makes up more than 70 percent of the human body, its all around us and it’s vital to survival of not only humans, but all of habitat in general.

So why has a price tag been placed on the amount of water we consume? Think about that carefully for a few moments before you respond. It’s almost like anything that can be turned to make a profit, in today’s society will transpire. Water is the one essential thing needed for survival and to take that thing from people without a literal just cause baffles my mind.

This world is surrounded by water. It’s difficult to get to one continent or another without crossing some massive areas of water. Why should a price tag be placed on one of the most important things to human life? It shouldn’t be. I do believe people should pay for the service that is provided to them, but the rates that are charged for people to have water service is ridiculous.

What’s even more fathomable is the fact that people want to tell others how to control their water usage. Yep, I get it we’re very wasteful individuals and that is something we need to examine and attempt to control, because it’s alarming. There are so many portions of the world where water is so scarce or not even available and as Americans we just toss it away like its nothing.

I have become more aware of my water consumption. I even brush my teeth now without allowing the water to run. Why waste water if I don’t need it? I also don’t change the dish water each time I wash dishes. If it’s quite soapy, I use that soapiness for the next set of dishes that I might have to wash before the day concludes. We can all do things to conserve the consumption of water, but I think water should be universally accessible to everyone.

I’m thinking about the ramifications that many encounter without having water. The inability to have tap water, unable to take showers/baths, difficulty preparing food, but the worse of all is being able to use the restroom. That’s a big one as it creates sanitary issues that can pose health threats. The City of Detroit is shutting off water service to residents who are past due on their accts by 60 days or more.

It was funny to discover that after a few media outlets reported that a big-time billionaire was behind on his water bill also, but didn’t have service cut, it created an outrage. Since then, the bill has been paid in full. My point is if you’re going after those everyday citizens who are just doing what they can to make ends meet, why aren’t you going after those with millions of dollars who can obviously pay their bills. Something about that just doesn’t add up in my opinion, but that’s a discussion to be talked about at a later time.

Water is a basic human right. Everyone should be entitled to have access to this essential need. This is not a want this isn’t something people cannot live without. This is something that is needed to live, end of discussion.

By Trevor Roberts