Benton Harbor reaches $25 million settlement over lead water lawsuit

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WNDU) - City officials have finalized a $25 million settlement agreement over a 2021 lawsuit regarding elevated lead levels in the water supply.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the city and its officials completed the agreement overnight. A group of residents filed the lawsuit in 2021, accusing state and city officials of “deliberate indifference” over lead levels in the water supply.

In a Facebook post, Muhammad said the city will enter into a consent judgment for $25 million and assign its right to pursue claims against its insurance company.

“This means the plaintiffs will take over an ongoing litigation seeking to receive funds from the City’s insurance,” Muhammad said in the post.

Muhammad said the city and its officials have denied any wrongdoing.

According to state data, Benton Harbor’s water system has met or exceeded the lead standards under federal and state law for the last two years.