The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is still advising Benton Harbor residents to use bottled water or lead filters on their tap water, even as the project to replace lead water service lines in the city nears its completion. Berrien County Health Department emerging threats supervisor Chioma Ejiofor tells us a given home’s service line may have been replaced, but there are still a few things to check.
“We know that Benton Harbor has an older stock of homes with the majority of homes being built before 1978 before lead was outlawed as being used as a building material in homes,” Ejiofor said. “So, they have other sources of lead in the home. Out of an abundance of caution, MDHHS has said it’s best practice to have a home lead inspection.
The Berrien County Health Department has been supplying lead filters to Benton Harbor residents since 2019, having given out around 2,200 so far. Ejiofor says they’re easy to install and help can be given to those who still have trouble. It’s recommended the filter be used in the kitchen. Anyone who wants help scheduling a home inspection or who wants to get a lead filter should contact the Berrien County Health Department.
