| Population: | 9,1031 |
| Project length: | 18 months ending in late 2022/early 2023 |
| Project scope: | 4,438 lead service lines to be replaced2 |
| Cost: | $33.2 million, about $7,500 per line |
From 2016 through 2018, the EPA repeatedly detected elevated lead levels in the Benton Harbor drinking water supply. This prompted direct involvement by state oversight authorities: In October 2021 the governor of Michigan ordered Benton Harbor to fully replace all 4,438 lead service lines in 18 months.3
Given the urgency, over the last couple of years Michigan officials have directed state-level funding to the Benton Harbor water system and the EPA has awarded them a $5.6 million grant. Total project costs are expected to reach $33.2 million.4 A new state law in Michigan adopted in 2018 requires the water system to pay for property-owner-side replacement once the property owner provides consent.5 This allowed local officials to accelerate progress on LSL replacement because they do not have to wait for a property owner to secure funding. Data on progress thus far indicate that they are now generally on track to complete all LSL replacement by the end of 2022 or early 2023.6
While funding for Benton Harbor’s LSL replacement program is covered by the water system, until recently it relied on voluntary participation to get a property owner’s consent to replace their side of the line. In February 2022, the city adopted an ordinance that required LSL replacement, but asked property owners for permission to enter the property; it also imposed fines of up to $500 for noncompliance.7 To streamline the process of getting a property owner’s consent, the city uses a simple online form, requiring just the property owner’s name, email address, property address, and electronic signature.8
Notes
1 U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Benton Harbor city, Michigan.
2 Number of lines as of May 19, 2022. For latest information on number of lead service lines in Benton Harbor, MI, please visit LSL Public Dashboard (arcgis.com).
3 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (epa.gov).
4 Benton Harbor grants $33.2 million for lead line replacement projects | Benton Harbor | heraldpalladium.com.
5 Mich. Admin Code R.325.10604f(6)(e).
6 City of Benton Harbor Water Efforts (michigan.gov).
7 Public Notices | City of Benton Harbor Lead Service Line Replacements (arcgis.com)
