Grassroots activists have raised the issue of dangerously high lead levels to various state and federal government agencies for years, to no avail. #BentonHarbor #environment #michigan
Michigan cities rich and poor, big and small have been delaying maintenance on their water systems for decades. Now, even wealthy towns are suffering the consequences of past reluctance to pay for water system upkeep.
While crews work to remove lead pipes from the city water system, activists say they worry that violations at the city water treatment plant could further threaten residents. Regulators say there’s no cause for concern.
Federal auditors announced an investigation Friday of how the government has dealt with lead contamination of drinking water in Benton Harbor, an impoverished, mostly Black city in southwest Michigan.