For immediate release: November 9, 2021

Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

Lansing, Michigan-In order to learn more about Benton Harbor Drinking Water City and determine the effectiveness of home filters, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will start testing in homes this week and next week Drinking water for a few weeks.

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.

Three test activities are in progress:

The house for lead source and lead type testing has been identified. Some houses have also been identified for filter testing; however, other households may be eligible to participate in the filter study for free if they meet the following criteria:

Eligible families should call 269-248-2195 for more information and schedule an appointment. The results of the filter test will be provided to residents as soon as it becomes available.

After completing these studies, MDHHS will continue to support the Benton Port water test as the main service pipeline will be replaced in the next 18 months. Residents can call MDHHS at 866-691-5323 from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm to ask questions

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited a construction site in Benton Harbor. After she promised to replace 100% of the city's main service lines within 18 months, the main service line is being replaced. The governor also participated in weekly local community meetings and listened to the opinions of local leaders and residents. 

In October, Governor Whitmer signed a directive that builds on the ongoing efforts of various departments and key stakeholder groups and community leaders to ensure that the state government and its partners are moving in the same direction and focused on common goal. 

As part of these efforts, the City of Benton Harbor continued to distribute free bottled water, MDHHS and local paid residents provided cases at community distribution locations, and delivered them to residents at home or lacking transportation.

As residents are encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing food and mixing infant formula, the state is providing free bottled water. 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.

To arrange water supply to residents of Benton Harbor who are at home or without transportation, please contact 211, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who cannot reach 211 should contact 844-875-9211.

The upcoming bottled water extraction schedule is:

Benton Harbor’s ongoing response includes the city, Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and EGLE.

Additional dates and locations for bottled water collection 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 the city dwellers who have been stepping up their time and talents, Michigan has worked with local agencies to pay the city dwellers supported in the state to pay the bottled water distribution station. 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. 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