City of Benton Harbor | Benton Harbor Michigan | Benton Harbor Public Works, Water Plant and Distribution, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water

Benton Harbor Water Department

Contact us

(269) 927-8471, then press 2.
If no answer and for immediate assistance, dial (269) 927-8400, press 2.
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BENTON HARBOR – SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022 – The City of Benton Harbor, in accordance with Michigan Act 451, Public Acts of 1994, as amended, Part 31, Section 324.3112a, reports today a discharge of raw wastewater from a sanitary sewer system failure.

The cause and the number of gallons of wastewater discharged into the Paw Paw River is still unknown. The release was discovered about 5 p.m. Friday. Repairs are being made. The Paw Paw River access from the St. Joseph River east to the Stevens Street Boat Launch is closed until further notice.

Questions or concerns should be directed to Ellis Mitchell, City Manager, at 269.927.8457 or emitchell@bhcity.us

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Benton Harbor Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements

PUBLIC NOTICE: May 2022 – Drinking Water Violation Download

For more information please view these documents:
Lead Poisoning Prevention BCHD
Lead In Drinking Water (EPA)
Cleaning Your Aerators
Water Leak Pilot Flyer

Consumer Confidence Reports

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires community water systems to deliver a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to their customers each year by July 1.

This report provides customers with information about their water quality, including the water source, a risk contamination summary, the regulated contaminates found and any potential health effects, an accounting of efforts to restore safe water, and other educational information. For more information about your CCR, read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guide to Understanding Your CCR.

Your Renovated Water Plant

The Benton Harbor Water Plant is located in the southwest corner of Benton Harbor’s beautiful Jean Klock Park. The Water Plant was constructed in the 1950’s as a complete treatment plant that includes chemical addition for disinfection and particulate removal; mixing and settling chambers; filters; a storage reservoir; and high lift pumps to distribute the water to the City of Benton Harbor.

The water plant was aging and had experienced some failures, so a renovation project at a cost of slightly over $12 million was developed. Funding was acquired through the State of Michigan’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Funds, which feature low interest loans to Michigan Water projects. Additional funding was obtained from the federal government through the American Resources and Recovery Act, which will reduce the loan amount by 40%.

The project took two years to complete. The principal contractor, Davis Construction, along with several sub-contractors remodeled the existing plant and equipment and built the new treatment addition shown in the photograph. The Water Plant now has an anticipated life span in excess of 50 years and can properly treat up to 12 million gallons per day.

Make Convenient Payments

Save gas and stamps by using our convenient online services to pay your property taxes or utility bills (water and trash services). If you have questions about your trash services, or to arrange for the pickup of large items, call City of Benton Harbor Sanitation Department at (269) 927-8416.

Helpful Tips to Protect Our Systems

Hundreds of us perform tasks in our daily routines that may negatively impact the water and sewer systems that we rely on. Just by following a few simple strategies, we can greatly reduce harmful effects. Take a few minutes to read about how you can contribute to safe water in Benton Harbor.

If you fertilize, please follow directions and use sparingly.

Do you know what your fertilizer may be doing to our water? Read more about the effects of lawn care and visit the Southwest Michigan Water Coalition website for even more information.

Grease, fat and oil can clog sewer lines, causing sewage back-ups and flooding.

Did you know that grease from cooking is one of the major causes of residential sewer main clogs resulting in sewer backups? Too often, grease is washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets). Over time, the grease can build and block the entire pipe. Read more here: Sewer Grease

Do not pour anything down the drain – it may flow directly to inland lakes, streams or Lake Michigan!

Polluted stormwater runoff can harm plants, fish, animals, people, and it can even pollute our drinking water sources. Be sure to do your part to protect water quality. Read more about Storm Drains and visit the Southwest Michigan Water Coalition website for even more information.