BENTON HARBOR, MI — Water quality is important to all, and to Benton Harbor, the city of no return. We made it a high priority in the city’s continued effort to test for lead and copper levels.
I, Rev. Edward Pinkney, have a team of committed community members from a newly created grassroots citizen advisory group: the Benton Harbor Community Water Council (BHCWC). It is working to help the city of Benton Harbor’s water testing program and helping residents with water issues. I am the water council chairman. The water council is pleased to help the city as it continues working to upgrade its water system and testing capability.
High levels of copper and lead have been found in Benton Harbor’s water. Left untreated, this can result in serious long-term health problems. Infants and children who drink water containing lead may experience delayed mental and physical development, including deficits in learning abilities and attention span. Adults who drink this water over a long period of time may develop kidney or liver problems.
Clean water is a human right. We must protect our water at all cost. You cannot eat or drink oil, but we worship oil. We cannot eat gold, but we worship gold. You need clean water that you can drink. Let’s make sure everyone has clean drinking water.
