DETROIT, MI (AP)-- A judge says he's considering a request to issue a restraining order to stop Detroit from shutting off water to customers for unpaid bills.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes heard arguments Tuesday on the restraining order request made by critics of the city's water department.
The hearing on the water issue came before the start of Detroit's bankruptcy trial. Rhodes made no rulings before adjourning opening arguments in the trial for the day Tuesday afternoon.
The city stepped up shutoffs in March of those 60 days behind or owing more than $150. About 15,000 customers had service shut off in April-June. The city has faced international criticism for the shutoffs.
Rhodes has said the shut-off program is bad for Detroit's reputation.
