'Water shut off notices' return in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - The city is putting "water shut off notices" on people's doors for the first time since the contaminated lead pipes were removed and replaced.

Benton Harbor spread $2.7 million across residential water bills so residents didn't have to pay for unsafe drinking water.

Now, the EPA says Benton Harbor now meets lead standards under the federal safe drinking water act.

Not everyone ABC57 spoke to Wednesday was convinced the water is safe to drink.  

In 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered a replacement of all lead service lines within 18 months.

Now in 2024, Benton Harbor says all lead lines are gone.

Interim City Manager Alex Little claims Benton Harbor now has some of the safest water in the country.

Little is now encouraging people to make those water payments, because without them, the city loses revenue and eventually the ability to provide water.

Tasha Coleman was at city hall paying her overdue water bill today, and says she used an at-home test kit to find out her water had contaminants in it.

“I just feel like I shouldn't have to pay the water bill, I know I'm using the water, but I feel like I shouldn't have to pay it because the water is still no good, it's not testing at the right levels like it should, cause the water filter, the lead filter got changed more than twice in three months, that's not right,” said Coleman.

If you do get a water notice, officials say you can come to city hall and set up a payment plan.

If your water is shut off, there is a $50 reconnection fee.

You can also pick up a water filtration system at the Berrien County Health Department.