BENTON HARBOR, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The city of Benton Harbor is in the process of replacing it’s lead water lines. And because of this, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with the Berrien County Health Department have announced locations in the city where residents can pick up bottled water for free throughout the weekend.
Health 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, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Officials went on to say the bottled water is being made available out of an abundance of caution to help ensure the health and safety of Benton Harbor city residents. They are encouraging residents to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing powdered infant formula. The distribution is part of a longer-term effort to eliminate exceedances of the federal lead standard, educate the community on the effects of lead in drinking water, remove lead service lines and increase confidence in filtered water from the tap.
The water is free, and available to city residents for consumption. Distribution is at the following locations and times:
Saturday, Oct. 9
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, Benton Harbor: 10 a.m. to Noon
God’s Household of Faith, 275 Pipestone, Benton Harbor: 1 to 4 p.m.
MDHHS Berrien County Office, 401 8th Street, Benton Harbor: 4 to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 10
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, Benton Harbor: 10 a.m. to Noon
MDHHS Berrien County Office, 401 8th Street, Benton Harbor: 4 to 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 11
MDHHS Berrien County Office, 401 8th Street, Benton Harbor: 4 to 6 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.
Through a local-state partnership, another 37,800 cases of bottled water are being delivered to Benton Harbor distribution centers in the coming days, with expanded delivery to continue to ensure that all residents have access to bottled water during this time.
For more information, or to speak to someone to arrange water delivery please contact 211 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents can also call the Berrien County Health Department water hotline at 800-815-5485, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to schedule drop-offs.
For questions about lead, MDHHS can be reached at 866-691-5323 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
