C46/100
Benton Harbor Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,871 residents · Michigan
What's In Benton Harbor's Tap Water?
46
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 1500.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
14
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
4
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – July 10, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 11, 2022 – April 28, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 13, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 13, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 13, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Failed to complete additional/repeat monitoring
When: September 27, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Other Violation
When: September 27, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Other Violation
When: September 27, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: September 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 1, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Other non-health-based violation
When: August 30, 2021 – June 8, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Lead and Copper Rule
When: May 17, 2021 – May 18, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BENTON HARBOR
Population Served
9,103
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MI0000600
BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP
Population Served
6,768
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MI0000605
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton Harbor Water
Is Benton Harbor tap water safe to drink?
Benton Harbor, Michigan tap water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 226 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Benton Harbor's water?
Of the 46 contaminants tested in Benton Harbor's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Benton Harbor have any water quality violations?
Yes, Benton Harbor has 226 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Benton Harbor?
Benton Harbor water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Benton Harbor's tap water come from?
Benton Harbor's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BENTON HARBOR and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 15,871 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Benton Harbor's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Benton Harbor's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Benton Harbor's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Benton Harbor's water quality score of 46/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Benton Harbor's water quality?
If you have concerns about Benton Harbor's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BENTON HARBOR) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.