These filters are certified to
reduce lead and are available
at no cost to residents.

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Properly Used Filters Protect Benton Harbor
Residents from Lead in Drinking Water

Op

Point of Use Filter

Pitcher Filter

Do's & Don'ts of Filters

In late 2021, EPA tested filters in Benton Harbor and found when used properly, they were very effective at reducing lead.
EPA has the following list of Do's and Don'ts to help you know the best practices in using this equipment.

Do run cold water if the water has not been used for
several hours to make sure there is fresh water in the
pipes. Generally, running a load of laundry, flushing
a toilet a couple times, or running an unfiltered faucet
for 3-5 minutes will meet this recommendation.

Do regularly inspect and clean aerators and filters
on faucets.

Every Week

Clean the aerators in all faucets and
clean the screens in your waterfilters.

Do use a certified filter to remove lead.

NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction

Do change replaceable cartridge when indicator*
turns red.

•	Green = cartridge working
Yellow = change cartridge soon

•	Red = change cartridge now

*indicators will vary. See your filter guide or manual.

Do follow the manufacturer's instruction guide
or manual for filter use and maintenance.

Do run cold water through the faucet filter for 5 seconds
before drinking or cooking.

Do continue to follow drinking water recommendations
from local and state health agencies.

X

Remove faucet filter unit, turn up-side-
down and gently tapoutanydebris.

lit

DON'T USE HOT WATER

use the bypass valve when using
your faucet filter, and never put hot
water in a pitcher filter.

bypass valve in "down" position s t bypass valve in "flat" position

fit

cold, filtered water

hot, unfiltered water

Scan this QR code to watch
this video on proper water
use and filter maintenance

Learn more about EPA's work in Benton Harbor by visiting
www.epa.gov/mi/benton-harbor-drinking-water

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EPA's filter study in Benton Harbor
confirms that certified filters are effective
at reducing lead in drinking water

FILTERED

45 homes

had unfiltered drinking
water samples come
back with lead detected
above above 5 parts per
billion, the standard
for lead reduction for
certified filters

0 I homes

had filtered drinking
water samples above
5 parts per billion

NSF/ANSI 53 certifies
these filters reduce lead
to 5 ppb or less.

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Scan this QR code to learn more
about EPA's drinking water studies
in Benton Harbor, or visit

https://www.epa.gov/mi/benton-harbor-michi-
gan-drinking-water-study-results

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