The Catch: Benton Harbor’s lead pipes and the plan to replace them

Broadcasting in our monthly PBS television program, The Catch is a Great Lakes Now series that brings you more news about the lakes you love. Go beyond the headlines with reporters from around the region who cover the lakes and drinking water issues. Find all the work HERE.

Benton Harbor’s water problems aren’t new. Lead levels were high in 2018, and the state handed out filters then. But increasing costs for the replacement plan – which the city has only half funded so far – and a tight timeline have residents doubtful about whether all Benton Harbor’s lead pipes will be replaced by 2023 like the city currently claims.

Reporter Leonard Fleming at The Detroit News has been covering the story, and he joins Great Lakes Now for this segment to further explain the issues and impact in the west Michigan city.

Note: Some of his stories are behind paywalls but you can find all of his work HERE.

This Lake Michigan city isn’t alone. Most municipalities have lead service lines that can lead to lead in drinking water. How to replace them and pay for them are the big questions.

Follow the state’s progress on THIS DASHBOARD, which has been updated since Great Lakes Now talked with Fleming.

For more: Great Lakes Now work about lead in your water

Catch more news at Great Lakes Now: 

Indiana University study links lead exposure to juvenile delinquency

Should Benton Harbor residents have to pay for water they can’t drink?

Featured image: The Benton Harbor water tower stands high above the West Michigan city facing drinking water trouble. (Photo Credit: GLN)