BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Residents in a southwestern Michigan city who are concerned about lead-tainted drinking water will soon have access to free water filters.
The Herald-Palladium reports that the Berrien County Health Department will have filters available for Benton Harbor residents starting Feb. 4. Free water testing kits can also be picked up at City Hall.
Nicki Britten is a health officer with the county health department. She says the filters are important because boiling water doesn't remove lead.
The state Michigan Department of Environmental Quality issued an advisory in October that some Benton Harbor homes had tested for higher-than-acceptable levels of lead in the drinking water.
Britten says tests show lead hasn't been negatively affecting local children. Experts say children are the most vulnerable. High lead levels can cause health problems and developmental delays.
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