10/20/21 - Benton Harbor Declares State of Emergency

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:59 AM

The Governor heads to Benton Harbor, as the community deals with lead in their tap water.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s governor has visited Benton Harbor to listen to residents who have been urged to use bottled water because of elevated levels of lead in their tap water.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stop Tuesday wasn’t publicly disclosed until it was over. It came hours after city commissioners unanimously declared an emergency and empowered the Benton Harbor mayor to lead the city’s response.

Like many communities, Benton Harbor gets water from Lake Michigan, but the system moves water through old lead pipes.

Lead levels in water have exceeded the federal threshold.

Michigan is providing free water to residents for cooking and drinking.

Earlier this month, the Governor said the lead pipes in Benton Harbor will be replaced at a faster rate than was originally planned.

More from Local

01/22/25 - Bitter Cold Causes Massive Problems

Storm warnings are no longer in effect for most of the area, but that doesn't mean the problems are gone.
01/17/25 - Money Saving Tips When Arctic Temps Hit West Michigan

Bitter cold temperatures means a greater demand for heat. Consumers Energy is providing some tips to keep those bills from biting our wallets.
01/17/25 - Multiple Events Around West MI Will Honor Martin Luther King.

Various events around the state will commemorate the slain civil rights leader on this national holiday.
8/15/24 - Groundbreaking For New Children's Rehab Hospital

Ground breaking is taking place today for a state-of-the-art, freestanding children’s rehabilitation hospital dedicated to helping kids achieve the best possible outcome through compassionate collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinary care.