An announcement has been made by the state that it will provide free bottled water and water filters in the city of Benton Harbor while work continues to replace old lead water lines. The Reverend Edward Pinkney is the president of the Benton Harbor Community Water Council and told Michigan News Network city officials first became aware of the problem three years ago when a resident had her water tested.
“At that time, her water was over 300 parts per billion,” Pinkney said. “We have had water, as of today, 889 parts per billion, 605 parts per billion, 469 parts per billion. And the action level is 15, which is still too high.”
The state action comes less than two weeks after about 20 groups urged the Biden administration to immediately step in. They say state officials have not adequately responded since the contamination was discovered three years ago in the Black, mostly low income community. Pinkney welcomed the news, but said it comes a bit late.
