Water Quality: Benton Harbor, MI
2 water systems • 15,871 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Benton Harbor is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 15,871 people, and has 264 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 16 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Benton Harbor's violation count is 880% above the national average for Michigan. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Contaminant 2920, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Water Systems Serving Benton Harbor
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENTON HARBOR | MI0000600 | Surface Water | 9,103 | 254 |
| BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP | MI0000605 | Surface Water | 6,768 | 10 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Michigan
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.