BENTON HARBOR, MI (AP)— A southwestern Michigan city that's already struggling with lead in its water has lost most water service due to a pipe rupture.
Schools in Benton Harbor were closed Thursday, a day after the break occurred. Mayor Marcus Muhammad calls it a ‘major problem.’
Residents have been urged to use free bottled water for drinking and cooking due to elevated levels of lead. Bathing and washing clothes with tap water is OK if it's available.
It’s another blow for the predominantly Black, mostly low-income community of 9,700.
Meanwhile, a state House committee in Lansing is holding a hearing on Benton Harbor’s lead and the state’s response.
