Commissioners Hear About Needed Water System Work

waterfaucet-52
waterfaucet-52

Some major water system work will be happening in Benton Harbor over the next couple of decades. City Commissioners on Monday held a public hearing on the proposed Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund Project Plan. Abonmarche’s Jason Marquardt told the commission the plan is needed to seek low interest loans and other funding to be in compliance with water quality rules. Benton Harbor’s needs are many. Take the number of lead water lines.

“Over the next 20 years, the state of Michigan is requiring all municipalities to replace all lead service lines in each municipality,” Marquardt said. “The city has an estimated 2,390 lead or galvanized lines that would be required, based on that lead and copper rule of EGLE, to be replaced over the next 20 years.”

Marquardt said the city needs to repair or replace 235 fire hydrants and more than 400 valves. There is also work needed at the water plant. The 20 year Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Plan he outlined would envision eventual water rate increases that average either $11 per month or $8 per month, depending on which grants the city gets. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he does have concerns about the possible rate increases. The commission approved the project plan, although that doesn’t mean the city has committed to any of the projects just yet.