Detroit bankruptcy judge says he can't stop city from shutting off water for unpaid bills

A judge overseeing Detroit's bankruptcy won't stop the city from shutting off water if people can't pay their bill.

Judge Steven Rhodes announced his decision Monday after hearing two days of testimony last week. He says bankruptcy law doesn't give him the authority to interfere with specific services offered by Detroit.

The water department has said it would suffer financially if ordered to supply water without payment. Officials say 30,000 customers now are enrolled in two-year payment plans, but critics say the strategy still doesn't help the poorest residents.

City attorney Thomas O'Brien last week said "there are limits" to what the department can do.