Benton Harbor Public Works, Water Plant and Distribution, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water

Mike O’Malley, Director
(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.

City of Benton Harbor Water Department and Public Works Important Notices:

• January 21, 2020 – Public Advisory for Drinking Water Customers
• Important Information to the Drinking Water Customers of the City of Benton Harbor 
• COBH Public Advisory 2018
• BH Lead results for 2018
• Consumers Confidence Report for 2018 (CCR 2018)
• REVISED: Consumers Confidence Report for 2017 (CCR 2017)
• Consumers Confidence Report for 2017 (CCR 2017)
• City of Benton Harbor Water Filtration Plant Annual Report for 2017

Mike O’Malley, Director of the Water Plant, is often called “The Benton Harbor Water Guy.” He and his team are responsible for the water distribution system, the sanitary sewer collection system, and storm water collection and discharge.

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.

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.

• Consumers Confidence Report for 2018 (CCR 2018)
• REVISED: City of Benton Harbor Utility Services Department’s 2017
• Consumers Confidence Report
• Benton Harbor 2017 CCR
• Benton Harbor 2016 CCR
• Benton Harbor 2015 CCR
• Benton Harbor 2014 CCR

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.