First water resource fair held in Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- It was a packed house of health officials and local government officers at the Virginia Edwards Community Center Thursday.

They set up booths full of information and resources for residents – including at-home lead testing kits for drinking water, sign-ups for the new paid community ambassador program, as well as information on the dangers of lead and how the city got to this point.

“It’s insane it took three years, but I’m glad we’re at the process of getting things fixed and hopefully we don’t have to wait 18 months,” said resident Miguel Clark.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said he’s thankful for the state’s visit and all of the new resources they’re providing, his next request though, getting residents’ water bills taken care of.

“I’ll be more excited when I see the water credits where the residents are no longer paying the water bill,” said Mayor Muhammad.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer also signed a new directive to strengthen all state water quality regulations Thursday.