Homes built before 1978 are the focus of an effort by the state and Benton Harbor for free lead testing. The plumbing has been the issue for the past few years, with over 90% of all lead service lines being either replaced or certified to be lead-free. But lead abatement program coordinator Carin Speidel tells our partners at WSBT-22 more effort is needed.
“It’s going to be a multiyear process and there’s a lot of homes, a lot of older homes in Benton Harbor and we want to make sure that all the residents are getting similar services and getting the lead addressed.”
The testing is for windows, soil, plumbing, and doors and is free. The tests can take from a few hours to several days. It could take a 2-to-3 months for the plumbing to be switched out per home, and a longer time to address other lead issues.
