Benton Harbor, MI: 12 Health Violations — 88/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in MI, Benton Harbor scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Benton Harbor Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Benton Harbor Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 32 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0008 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.71 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Benton Harbor
Water service in Benton Harbor, MI is split across 2 utilities out of 2 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Benton Harbor, Michigan, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 29,796 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 12 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Benton Harbor: A (88/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Benton Harbor water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0008 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 2 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 2 |
| Contaminant 1017 | Other | 3 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49022 | B | 16 | 6 | Benton Harbor |
| 49023 | A | 16 | 6 | Benton Harbor |
All ZIP Codes in Benton Harbor
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Benton Harbor
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Benton Harbor Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Benton Harbor Homeowners
For most Benton Harbor homeowners, estimated remediation represents a moderate equity share — manageable with planning.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Benton Harbor. The estimated $900–$2,750 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 31% below the Michigan average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Benton Harbor
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Benton Harbor appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Benton Harbor
A moderate NFIP record for Benton Harbor — 30 insurance claims paired with 50% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Benton Harbor has a moderate flood history with 30 FEMA claims averaging $21,876 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Benton Harbor, MI