A public notice regarding elevated lead levels in the area has been issued in Benton Township.

Around 40 water service lines, and possibly more, were found needing replacement in Benton Township after recent testing.

Benton Charter Township water distribution supervisor Mike Baldwin tells us that 2,757 service lines are in the township, with about 111 of those possibly containing lead pipes.

“Basically the borderline areas that we share with the city of Benton Harbor, where they first started expanding the water system into the township, that’s where we’re seeing the lead,” Baldwin says. “The hot spots that we have found are like the Higman Park Hill area, Hills 1 and 2 both, Agard Avenue, the 1300 and 1400 blocks of that, and then the 1400 block of Bishop.”

Baldwin tells us the homes that have been found with lead have already been informed.

Those within the affected areas will receive a letter soon from the township stating their home could have lead.  Residents who are concerned if they do have lead pipes should contact the township for more information.