NBC News
/ Source: Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday ordered a “whole-of-government” response to elevated levels of lead in tap water in the southwestern Michigan city of Benton Harbor and vowed to accelerate the replacement of its lead pipes.
Her directive that state agencies ensure Benton Harbor residents have safe tap water came about a week after her administration — amid criticism of state and local officials’ handling of the response — urged people to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking. The Democratic governor on Thursday also committed to replacing lead pipes within 18 months, accelerating what had been a five-year timeline announced more than a month ago.