With 99.4% of lead service lines now replaced in the city of Benton Harbor, the state is adjusting its bottled water distribution plan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says changes to water distribution are being made over the next couple of weeks due to the holidays as well as a new winter distribution model. As of Wednesday, January 4, bottled water will be available for pick up at the Southwest Community Action Agency, while water distribution at the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor’s Fettig Youth Campus is being discontinued. Water can be picked up at the Boys and Girls Club through December 27, and then that site will end. The goal is to have all lead service lines in the city replaced by April and the city and state are on track to meet that goal. Residents should continue to use filters or bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing powdered infant formula until they have a home lead inspection. Those who need a home inspection can find an application here.
Homebound delivery of bottled water will continue for those in need of this service. To arrange water delivery to the homebound or residents without transportation in the City of Benton Harbor, contact 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Phones that cannot contact 211 should call 844-875-9211.
Following is the holiday schedule for the rest of the month of December. City of Benton Harbor residents can pick up water at Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor Fettig Youth Campus, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, on the following dates:
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17, 12 to 2 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 20, 9 to 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24, CLOSED
Sunday, Dec. 25, CLOSED
Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9 to 11 a.m. Final distribution day
Saturday, Dec. 31, CLOSED
Sunday, Jan. 1, CLOSED
Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller Street, is hosting water pickup on the following dates:
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16, CLOSED for staff training
Monday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 23, CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 26, CLOSED
Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The water bottle recycling trailer is located in Housing Commission parking lot, 721 Nate Wells Sr. Drive.
