The Berrien County Health Department has resumed promoting the distribution of water filters to Benton Harbor residents. Emerging threats supervisor Chimoa Ejifor tells WSJM News the department started giving out the filters for free in 2019 when the lead exceedance was discovered in the Benton Harbor water system. The program fell to the side when the EPA started a study to determine whether the lead filters are effective, but now it has determined they are. Resident can call the health department to get a filter and also get help installing them.
“Within 24 hours, they’ll receive a phone call from somebody asking whether or not a good date or time is available for somebody to come to the home and help to install the filter,” Eliofor said.
Ejiofor says the filters last about six months.
“There’s going to be light on that filter, just like a traffic light. If there’s a green light flashing, it’s still good to use. If there’s a yellow light flashing, the filter’s still good to use but you’re coming up on a time where it’s going to need to be replaced. If it’s red, that means the filter needs to be replaced.”
Benton Harbor residents can receive a free certified filter and replacement cartridges by mail by calling 844.875.9211. They also can visit BCHD at 2149 E. Napier Ave. from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday or the Center for Better Health at 100 W. Main St. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Both locations are in Benton Harbor, and neither requires appointments.
