Benton Harbor government officials continue to stay on top of the water situation after excessive lead levels were reported in some households in the city. Here is the latest report delivered this morning by Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson:
It has been one week since the City of Benton Harbor notified its residents of an Action Level exceedance of lead levels in the municipal water supply. Residents were informed that, based on recent routine lead testing, the 90th percentile of samples taken in the City of Benton Harbor water supply exceeded the Action Level for lead of 15 parts per billion. In response, residents have been encouraged to test their drinking water in their home, take preventive steps to reduce their potential for lead exposure, and get their child tested for lead, especially if that child is under the age of six.
The Benton Harbor Water Department has been providing water bottle testing kits for residents at no charge to them over the past week. To date, they have distributed over 200 water testing kits and had many of those returned that are being sent to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Eurofins Laboratory, in South Bend, Indiana for testing. The City of Benton Harbor has provided bottled water to the homes that have confirmed tests exceeding the Action Level for lead (above 15 parts per billion) at no cost to the residents. Parents with children needing a blood lead test can talk with their family doctor or contact the Berrien County Health Department for a test.
There have been nearly 100 calls placed to the Water Response Hotline. Starting Friday, November 2, 2018, the Water Response Hotline will transfer operations to Southwest Michigan 2-1-1, which will be able to assist residents with questions regarding water testing, child blood lead testing, and other lead exposure prevention actions as well as getting connected to local resources. Residents should dial 2-1-1 to reach operators who are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to assist them.
As system-wide water assessment continues, the City of Benton Harbor still recommends that residents take the following actions to reduce their potential for lead exposure in the water:
- Run the water to a stable, cold temperature before drinking as this will flush out any potential contaminants.
- Always use cold water for drinking or cooking.
- Use bottled water for preparing baby formula.
- Do not boil the water before drinking as boiling will not reduce the amount of lead in the water.
- Remember, using the water for bathing or showering is safe.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Action Level exceedance, lead hazards for health, and other actions they can take by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.bhcity.us or www.bchdmi.org.
