Benton Harbor water service fully restored after water main break

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Water systems have been fully pressurized and residents are encouraged to flush pipes after a main break left much of Benton Harbor without water since Wednesday.

Out of an abundance of caution to reduce the risk of lead contamination, the city will remain under a bottled water advisory until further notice.

Bottled water is still advised for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice, washing dishes, mixing powdered baby formula, and rinsing food says state and local officials.

Residents should flush their water taps for five minutes before using the water for showering, washing hands, or bathing.

Residents are also advised to flush toilets at least twice and to run empty dish washer and laundry loads to clear water lines.

Residents can pick up free water at the following locations through the weekend:

• October 23rd, 10AM to 12PM, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive         

• October 23rd, 4PM to 6PM, Harbor of Hope Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 769 Pipestone

• October 24th, 3PM to 5PM, Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Avenue

• October 24th, 4PM to 6PM, Brotherhood of All Nations, 1286 Monroe Street

Residents who cannot not visit a distribution site and need emergency water delivery can call the Berrien County Health Department hotline at 1-800-815-5485 or 2-1-1, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.