LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services working is closely with the Berrien County Health Department and many other local community partners to provide additional bottled water over the last few days to Benton Harbor residents.
This effort is being accomplished as service was fully restored on Thursday, October 21, after Wednesday’s October 20 water main break.
The department says that free bottled water is being provided by the state as residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing powdered infant formula.
Officials say this action is part of an accelerated, across-the-board effort to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water while the city replaces all lead service lines.
This collaborative effort includes the City of Benton Harbor, the Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Updated water distribution sites:
Saturday, Oct. 23
Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please be aware that the Harbor of Hope Seventh-Day Adventist Church previously publicized from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, was mistakenly identified as a distribution site. No water is being distributed there on Saturday.
Sunday, Oct. 24
Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., 3-5 p.m.
Brotherhood of All Nations, 1286 Monroe St., 4-6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 25
Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Self-service)
Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., noon-2 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 26
Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Self-service)
Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., noon-2 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214 E. Britain Ave., 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 27
Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 1-3 p.m.
Additional dates and locations for bottled water pick up will be added to make sure community needs are met. Information will be posted on Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.
To arrange water delivery to homebound or residents without transportation in the city of Benton Harbor, residents can dial 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
