An average of nearly ten new water lines were installed or verified lead-free in Benton Harbor each day during March. That’s according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which says contractors have settled into a rhythm designed to replace all of the city’s lead lines by the spring of next year. As of Wednesday, 224 lines were replaced during the previous 30 days, bringing the total number of lead service lines either replaced or verified as non-lead to 751. Five contractors are handling the work, and a sixth is set to come on in mid April. The department says there are still an estimated 3,600 lead lines left to go. Almost 1,770 Right of Access Water Service Line Replacement Agreement forms have been completed, something property owners need to do so the work can proceed. The forms can be filled out online. You can also submit the forms to Abonmarche at their office on West Main Street.
