$250,000 Grant For Water Filters

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The Berrien County Health Department is receiving a state grant of $250,000 to pay for the water filters it’s giving out to residents of Benton Harbor. Following the discovery of elevated lead levels in some homes last year, health department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the filters for lead are now available to all city residents for free. The grant program was made available by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services following the Flint water crisis.

“These funds will be used directly to purchase water filters,” Conrad said. “We do have two different varieties that we’re providing to residents depending on their sink type and their particular needs, as well as water filter cartridge replacements.”

Conrad says the demand for filters has been high with more than 1,200 so far being given out. Everyone in Benton Harbor is advised to get one just to be sure their water is safe until city work to resolve the issue is finished. Conrad says you can also flush your water for five minutes before using it, but the filters are good to have as well. The next water filter distribution events are listed below:

Friday, February 15th, 2019 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Benton Harbor Charter Academy – 455 Riverview, Benton Harbor

Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 from 1:30PM to 4:30PM
First Presbyterian Church – 475 Green Ave, Benton Harbor

Friday, February 22nd, 2019 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM
Benton Harbor Charter Academy – 455 Riverview, Benton Harbor

You can also pick up a filter at the health department office in Benton Township.