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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) order requiring Benton Harbor to bring the city’s water system into compliance and protect residents from lead exposure.

“We need to get the lead out of our pipes and out of our water – it’s really that simple. The EPA’s new federal order, which they’re issuing under the Safe Drinking Water Act, is a critical step to protecting Benton Harbor residents – especially children – from lead-infused water and the dangers that come with exposure,” said Dingell. “I’ve heard from too many families about the fear of their children ingesting lead and many already have. With both federal and state efforts requiring improvement of the city’s water system, and with additional investments in replacing lead pipes through the Build Back Better framework, we can act quickly to protect public health and ensure clean drinking water for everyone.”

The EPA’s order, which follows violations found during a recent federal-state inspection of Benton Harbor’s water system, requires the city to take several actions to protect residents, including:

• Informing consumers when lead action level exceedances are detected in drinking water.
• Improving the applications of chlorine for disinfection and orthophosphate for corrosion control.
• Implementing stricter requirements for better monitoring of residual disinfectants and its byproducts.
• Making filter repairs at the treatment plant.
• Using an independent third-party to conduct an analysis of alternatives for the long-term operation and maintenance of the system.

To learn more about this announcement, please click here. 

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