Response to Petition for Emergency Action in Benton Harbor
On February 16, 2022, EPA responded to the Petition for Emergency Action Under the Safe Drinking Water Act requesting that EPA investigate and address elevated lead levels in Benton Harbor, Michigan’s drinking water. No family should ever have to worry about the water coming from their tap and the Benton Harbor community is no exception. EPA is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to clean drinking water and addressing lead in drinking water. EPA, the petitioners, and Michigan share a strong commitment to ensuring that the people of Benton Harbor have safe and clean drinking water.
In response to a previously existing state order and the September petition, EPA has taken strong, immediate steps in support of its state agency partners to ensure a robust response to the serious community concerns about the drinking water treatment and distribution system. Key actions include:
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to distribute bottled water to ensure access to safe drinking water for people in Benton Harbor. EPA is in regular communication with Michigan and is providing support of its actions.
- EPA and MDHHS collected drinking water from more than 200 homes throughout November and December to assess Benton Harbor’s drinking water. This sampling will help the agencies understand where the lead in the water comes from, the size of lead particles, and how well filters work to reduce lead exposure in Benton Harbor. Preliminary results continue to confirm that – when properly installed and used – filters are effective at reducing lead in drinking water.
- EPA conducted joint inspections of the Benton Harbor Public Water System with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) following its request for support in September. EGLE issued a violation notice following this inspection to address violations of state law as part of its ongoing state enforcement action.
- In November, to supplement the state’s ongoing enforcement efforts, EPA issued an order under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to the city of Benton Harbor outlining the steps necessary for the city to assure proper operations and to protect residents from exposure to lead. EPA continues to collaborate with the state to work with the city on the steps necessary to bring its system into compliance.
- EPA is providing EGLE with technical assistance regarding corrosion control treatment in Benton Harbor. A portion of the $5.6 million WIIN grant EPA awarded to Benton Harbor in October 2020 has been dedicated to an ongoing corrosion control treatment study.
Michigan is leading the immediate response and EPA is in regular communication with the state and is providing support and oversight of its actions. EPA is working with Michigan’s state agencies to ensure Benton Harbor’s water treatment and distribution system complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act and to develop long-term solutions that ensure sustainable provision of safe and clean drinking water. At this time, Benton Harbor residents should continue to rely on bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods, and mixing powdered infant formula.
Petition for Emergency Action under the Safe Drinking Water Act (pdf)