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:
Benton Harbor Water Quality: Update for Residents
In 2018, it was discovered that there was a problem with high lead levels in tap water in Benton Harbor. The City performed routine monitoring for lead and copper by sampling at homes connected to the Benton Harbor Water Supply and found that more than 10% of these samples exceeded the Action Level for lead. The samples collected in previous rounds did not have the same elevated results.
- January 29, 2020 – Preliminary Distribution System Materials Inventory Notification Memo
- January 21, 2020 – Public Advisory for Drinking Water Customers
- July 2020 – Benton Harbor Mailer
For more information please view these documents:
Lead Poisoning Prevention BCHD
Lead In Drinking Water (EPA)
Cleaning Your Aerators
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.
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.
Make Convenient Payments
Save gas and stamps by using our convenient online services to pay your 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 We-Cycle Industrial Sanitation direct at (269) 926-6360.
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.