Lead Action Level Exceedance in the City of Benton Harbor

WATER FILTER DISTRIBUTION for City of Benton Harbor:

How To Get A Water Filter or Replacement Cartridge During COVID-19 Pandemic: 

Water filters and replacement cartridges are still available for Benton Harbor City Residents. 

If you are in need of a water filter or your cartridge needs to be replaced, please call the Berrien County Health Department at 1-800-815-5485 (option 2) and a filter will be mailed to you.

 If we miss your call, please leave a message with your phone number. We will call you back and arrange filter delivery. Stay home, stay safe!

 At this time, all public distribution/pick-up dates have been cancelled.

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