Benton Harbor Residents Reminded To Take Steps To Keep Lead Out Of Water

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water3-31

Residents of the city of Benton Harbor are being reminded about the importance of installing filters in their homes to prevent against lead contamination. The city released information Friday afternoon that the water supply remains under a continuation of the Action Level Exceedance of 15 parts per billion, which took effect in October of last year. The Berrien County Health Department has partnered with the city to get the word out, and spokeswoman Gillian Conrad says the new reminders are being issued out of an abundance of caution.

“It really is important that residents are reducing the risk of lead exposure either by flushing their water for at least five minutes or by using a certified filter to remove lead from the water,” Conrad tells WSJM News.

She says the health department continues to offer free filters all day Monday through Friday at their office on Napier Avenue in Benton Township, the first Monday of every month from 4 to 6 pm at Harbor of Hope Church, and the third Thursday of the month at Benton Harbor Public Library, also from 4 to 6 pm.

“We wanted to make sure that residents are aware of the offer of that free filter from the health department and they’re aware of the actions they can take to reduce that risk of lead.”

She adds the city has been doing a lot over the past several months to tackle the problem, including replacing lead service lines and adding corrosion controls to the water supply. Those at particular risk for lead poisoning are pregnant women and children. Last fall when the announcement was made, city and county officials all said the lead problem in Benton Harbor’s water is nowhere near what it was in Flint.