Focusing on water quality issues

BENTON HARBOR - Residents and environmental organizations will hold a press conference to detail the ongoing and extensive violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act’s Surface Water Treatment Rules at the Benton Harbor water treatment plant which exist to limit bacteria contamination in public water systems. The group will urge the city of Benton Harbor, the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to be transparent with residents by issuing legally required public notices regarding the drinking water violations to all Benton Harbor residents. The group is also calling for public accountability through meetings to discuss these violations and solutions, and to stop encouraging the use of household water filters until these Safe Drinking Water Act violations are addressed. Lastly, the group is demanding that the Michigan State Police immediately stop intimidating local activists who are working to ensure all Benton Harbor residents have safe drinking water.