For immediate release: November 24, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
The drinking water of more than 100 households in Lansing-Benton Seaport, Michigan has passed EPA and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) testing to ensure residents receive the highest quality drinking water.
"We are working with multiple agencies to fully understand and resolve the water problems faced by the residents of Benton Harbor," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "We are using all the tools we have to solve this situation, including providing free bottled water, helping residents pay for overdue water and sewer fees, providing free blood lead testing and testing drinking water at home. Our goal is to ensure that every A Benton Harbour family can get a glass of clean, safe water from their faucet, and we will work with this community here until we achieve this goal."
Water quality testing will help EPA and MDHHS determine whether there is lead in the water of individual households; if it comes from pipes or plumbing fixtures in the home; the potential presence and size of lead particles; and how filters can effectively reduce the amount of water in Benton Harbor’s drinking water and city-specific water Chemically related lead. This is a collaborative effort with the support of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Berrien County Health Department.
The City of Benton Harbor is conducting multiple testing activities and has developed new leaflets to explain the different tests. The three main studies are:
According to the latest science and research, properly installed and maintained certified filters are very effective in reducing the lead concentration in drinking water.
As a cautionary measure, EPA and MDHHS are assessing the state of science and taking action to further understand the effectiveness of filters related to specific water chemistry in Benton Harbor. This research is one of many ways in which EPA and MDHHS work with community, local, and other state partners to assess the public health risks of lead exposure.
These agencies will continue to be involved in supporting and monitoring the effectiveness of the response to date and the formulation of a long-term solution for Benton Harbor.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and local paying residents continue to provide free bottled water because residents of Benton Harbor are encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing food and mixing powdered infant formula. This action is part of an accelerated and comprehensive effort to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water while the city replaces all lead-containing service lines.
Brotherhood of All Nations at 1286 Monroe Street has added an opportunity for residents to collect water between 12pm and 2pm on Saturday, November 27th. As the water distribution point will not be open, residents will also be allowed to collect water this week on Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Friday afterwards.
In the process of transporting to home or people who have not transported, additional water will be provided.
The upcoming bottled water extraction schedule is:
Benton Harbor’s ongoing response includes the city, the Berrien County Department of Health, local community organizations, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. This action is part of an accelerated and comprehensive effort to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water while the city replaces all lead-containing service lines.
Additional dates and locations for bottled water extraction will be added to ensure that community needs are met. The information will be posted on Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.
To ensure the continued success of the Benton Harbor bottled water distribution point and to recognize urban residents who have been stepping up their contribution of time and talents, Michigan worked with local agencies to pay urban residents working in state-supported cities. Bottled water distribution site. Individuals who wish to serve as community ambassadors to help distribute water should establish contact with established distribution sites. Individuals or groups who want to serve as unpaid volunteers can register on United Way's online platform.
MDHHS is committed to a long-term effort to eliminate excessive levels of lead actions, educate communities about the impact of lead in drinking water, and dismantle lead-containing service lines. Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for the replacement of Benton Harbor’s main service lines within 18 months. The Whitmer-Gilchrist government has provided Benton Harbor with nearly 20 million U.S. dollars to speed up their Service line replacement schedule.
Residents of Benton Harbor do not need to pay for the replacement of lead service lines. To help ensure that the work is completed as soon as possible, residents are encouraged to complete the online water service pipeline replacement agreement. Without the authorization of the owner, the contractor shall not start working on any property. The completed form can be returned to Abonmarche, 95 West Main Street, Benton Harbour, MI 49022 or sent by email to bvasher@abonmarche.com.
These efforts also include funds recently approved to remove lead from households in the city. Families living in Benton Harbor can apply for this service by filling out and mailing an online application form. Residents can also call 866-691-5323 for information.
For questions about lead, please call MDHHS at 866-691-5323 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
Benton Harbor Water Quality Test Leaflet