EPIC Featured: EPA confirms filters reduce lead in Michigan city’s water
Sri Vedachalam, EPIC’s Director of Water Equity, was interviewed by the Associated Press on an EPA study on the effectiveness of lead filters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The study confirmed that filters are effective in considerable reduction in lead, bringing it below action levels in all cases and even non-detect in the vast majority. However, the decision to pull the filters after distributing them and then conducting the study (similar to what happened in Newark, NJ) could undermine trust among residents. EPIC is currently working with Benton Harbor to assist the city in mapping, inventorying, and eventual replacement of lead service lines.
“Still, the decision to temporarily halt distribution of filters in Benton Harbor could undermine trust in them, said Sri Vedachalam, who heads the water program at the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.”