Lead Action Level Exceedance in the City of Benton Harbor

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Website

Updated october 2021: Important information for City of benton harbor residents

City of Benton Harbor residents are being asked to use free bottled water while work is completed to provide assurance that efforts like filtering are proving effective in reducing lead exposure.

Residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for:Benton_Harbor_Bottled_Water_Infographic_screenshot_738001_7 Opens in new window

  • Cooking
  • Drinking
  • Brushing teeth
  • Rinsing foods
  • Mixing powdered infant formula

Tap water can continue to be used for:

  • Showering or bathing
  • Washing hands, dishes or clothes
  • Cleaning

Get the latest updates and recommendations from MDHHS.

WATER FILTER DISTRIBUTION for City of Benton Harbor:

 Residents have several options available to get a water filter or replacement cartridge: 

1. Pick up filtration system or replacement filter cartridge at the Berrien County Health Department office. 
Berrien County Health Department
2149 E. Napier Ave.
Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-5:00PM

2. If you are homebound or unable to get to a distribution location, we can mail a replacement filter cartridge to your home. Call 1-800-815-5485 to request a replacement filter cartridge be mailed to you. 

3. Visit the Spectrum Health Lakeland Center for Better Health in Benton Harbor.
The Center is located at 100 W. Main Street and is open Monday through Saturday.

Tuesday 10am-4pm
Wednesday 10am-4pm
Thursday 10am-4pm
Friday 10am-4pm

Visit shlcenterforbetterhealth.org or call 269-408-2258 to reach the Center for Better Health. 

Latest Updates for residents as of 8/4/21: 

Benton Harbor Water Update 11.12.20_Page_1Benton Harbor Water Update 11.12.20_Page_2

August 4, 2021 - Action Level Exceedance Public Advisory/Education Documents

Public Advisory for Drinking Water Customers in the City of Benton Harbor

Press Release Action Level Exceedance August 2021

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require public water supplies to test regularly for lead and copper in drinking water. The regularly scheduled testing discovered lead was in the water and that at least 10% of the samples tested had lead levels that exceeded the "action level" of 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead in water. More information about water testing in the City of Benton Harbor can be found on the City of Benton Harbor Website. 

When at least 10% of the samples tested exceed the action level for lead in drinking water (15ppb), public health officials recommend precautionary actions to protect residents - especially those most at risk of harm to their health, including children and fetuses. Lead exposure can pose a serious health risk for children because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing. The use of water filters is recommended in any residence served by the City of Benton Harbor water system that is home to a child or a pregnant woman. However, free filters are being provided to any City of Benton Harbor resident who would like one. 

In homes with children or pregnant women, the Berrien County Health Department also recommends using only cold filtered (or bottled) water for drinking, rinsing food, cooking, mixing powdered infant formula, and brushing teeth. When buying a water filter, make sure it is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and maintaining the filter.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WATER OR WATER TESTING:

City of Benton Harbor
City of Benton Harbor Website
Email: bhwater@cityofbentonharbormi.gov
Phone: 269-927-8400 ext.1143