The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ordering a Michigan city to repair its pipes and inform the community about updates regarding the ongoing lead contamination issue that's affecting the residents.
On Tuesday, the EPA issued a press release informing residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan about the executive order that's being put in place to address the recent violations that were found during joint federal-state inspection of the water system. The executive order is housed under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
"The people of Benton Harbor have suffered for too long," EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in the press release. "EPA is fully engaged and working to support the community, and today, we are taking a critical next step to ensure that drinking water is safe and reliable."
"Exposure to lead in children can cause irreversible and life-long health effects, including decreasing IQ, focus, and academic achievement," Regan continued. "The water infrastructure in Benton Harbor, like many cities across the country, needs upgrades and investments to build resiliency and protect people from lead."
In accordance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA is requesting that Benton Harbor:
- Inform consumers when excessive lead action levels are detected in drinking water.
- Inform applications of chlorine for disinfection.
- Implement strict requirements for residual disinfectants and other byproducts.
- Make filter repairs at treatment plans
- Use an independent third-party to analyze alternatives for long-term operation and maintenance of the water system.
The EPA is also offering Benton Harbor the opportunity to utilize the services of a compliance advisor to provide direct, one-on-one technical assistance to the system operators of the water system.
Benton Harbor isn't the only city to experience recent infrastructure issues with its water system.
Hamtramck, Michigan officials released a report earlier this month indicating that the lead levels in the city's water are 17 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the state's action level of 15 ppb.
The city of Hamtramck stated in a press release that "the goal for lead in drinking water is 0 ppb," and that "there is no safe level of lead in the blood." The city, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is planning to issue free water filters to Hamtramck residents.
Residents will receive "one free water filter with replacement cartridges to Hamtramck residents on October 21," according to the press release. "Additional distribution events will be scheduled and posted in the upcoming weeks."
Newsweek contacted the city of Benton Harbor for comment.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
