Lake Erie is a natural source of fresh drinking water for thousands in Western the New York region.  Even though it’s readily available for consumption sometimes hundreds of local residents find themselves going without. Many are faced with shutoff notices, because of troubles with managing the cost of water.

Stephen Halpern is with the Buffalo Law Center. Many of his days are spent working with clients throughout the city who are either having trouble paying their water bills or have had their water shut off entirely.   

“In the middle of a Buffalo renaissance, this issue needs to be addressed and should have been addressed, quite frankly, a long time ago," he said.