Homeowners in Dowagiac Upset Over City’s Non-Provision of Replacements
In Dowagiac, Michigan, a number of homeowners are expressing their frustration and concern over the financial burden they face due to lead contamination in the city’s water supply. The issue first came to light in early October when lead was detected in the city water, prompting the city to initially provide free filters to affected residents.
However, as these filters have reached the end of their lifespan and require replacement, the city has decided not to provide additional filters. This decision has left many homeowners, like Walter Witt, who has lived in Dowagiac for three years, to bear the cost of purchasing new filters. Witt, who was notified about the lead issue in October and received a free filter from the city, recently had to spend $37 on a box of three replacement filters. With the current economic climate and rising inflation, this added expense has become a significant concern for him and many others in the community.
Witt expressed his frustration, stating that the financial responsibility for addressing the issue should not fall on the residents, especially since many, including himself, are on limited incomes. He believes that the city should continue to provide the filters until the lead issue is fully resolved, a sentiment echoed by his neighbors.
City officials, however, have clarified that the lead contamination risk occurs when water enters the laterals or lead pipes within individual houses, not from the municipal supply itself. They have stated that it was never the city’s intention to supply filters indefinitely. Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson explained that the city’s goal is to make residents aware of the risks and provide them with the initial tools to mitigate those risks.
The city has taken steps to address the issue by replacing water lines from the street to some homes. A current project on Division Street is set to address the water lines for 45 homes. Additionally, the city is actively applying for grants to fund the large-scale replacement of water lines, a project estimated to cost between $4 to $5 million.
In the interim, the city has pointed out that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers assistance to individuals struggling with costs related to the lead issue, such as purchasing filters. Anderson emphasized that this resource is available, particularly for those facing significant financial challenges.
The situation in Dowagiac highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing infrastructure issues like lead contamination in municipal water systems. While the city is taking steps to rectify the problem, the interim solutions and associated costs have become a point of contention among residents, who feel the burden of resolving the issue should not fall solely on them. As the city works towards a long-term solution, the debate over responsibility and assistance continues to affect the community.
