BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – The city of Benton Harbor is advising its residents to boil water before using, due to water treatment plant failure.

The city suggests bringing all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute and cool before using, or use bottled water. This should happen when water is being used for drinking, making ice, brushing your teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food.

For two hours, at the treatment plant, water was passing through the plant without a critical treatment chemical.

Some of the untreated water mixed with properly treated water and made its way into the city distribution system.

This notice will remain in effect until results from the sampling verify the water is safe to drink and the questionable water has been flushed from the system.

Customers will be advised when the boil water advisory has lifted.

For more information, please contact Ellis Mitchell, city manager of Benton Harbor at 269-927-8400 or [email protected].