Over 90% of lead service lines replaced in City of Benton Harbor

Over 90% of lead service lines have been replaced in the City of Benton Harbor, according to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.

Crews have excavated 171 service lines over the past month and replaced lead or galvanized lines with new copper pipe. The crews are averaging six excavations per day.

More than 4,000 water service lines have been replaced or confirmed as not containing lead as of this week.

About 400 lines have yet to be completed.

“It is great to hear that we are almost to the finish line,” said Sam Hudson, Benton Harbor resident and retired business owner. “Over the last year, things have really come together and everyone, including the city, county, state of Michigan and the community found ways to work together to get us where we are now."

Residents can check on progress through the Benton Harbor project dashboard.

The Building Michigan Together Plan gave $45 million to the city for infrastructure improvements, which includes line replacements.

This funding ensures Benton Harbor will be able to replace all lines by the spring of 2023, the health department said.

More than 2,700 "Right of Access" Water Service Line Replacement Agreement forms have been completed by private property owners.

These forms allow contractors to perform line replacement work on private properties.

Call 269-926-4557 with questions about the agreement form.