The replacement of lead water service lines in the city of Benton Harbor has accelerated now that warmer weather is here. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy spokesperson Hugh McDiarmid tells WSJM News several lines are being replaced each day.
“Contractors have replaced about 585 of the lead service lines, and there are still close to 3,800 left to go, but the project is really accelerating and ramping up with the warm weather and the addition of more contractors who are coming on to the project this month.”
The city of Benton Harbor recently hired five additional contractors to do the work.
“One of those started last week and they managed to replace 56 lines in less than two weeks. So, that’s a really good pace, and four more contractors are coming on board at various stages this month, some of them next week and all of them by the end of the month.”
McDiarmid says the work is an ambitious project and the goal remains to have all lead lines replaced by next spring. You can follow the progress and even see maps of where the crews have been working with an online dashboard launched by Abonmarche. We have a link to it at our website. McDiarmid asks everyone to be understanding as contractors tear up pavement around the city for the work.
