Lead Action Level Exceedance in the City of Benton Harbor

WATER FILTER DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS for City of Benton Harbor:

Water filter systems and replacement filter cartridges can be picked up at any of the following locations:

Day/Time for Pick-Up
Location & Address
First Monday of each month
4:00PM-6:00PM		Harbor of Hope Church
769 Pipestone, Benton Harbor
Third Thursday of each month
4:00PM-6:00PM		Benton Harbor Public Library
213 E. Wall St., Benton Harbor
Monday-Friday
8:30AM-5:00PM
Berrien County Health Department
2149 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor

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