EPA Tests Confirm , Filters Reduce Lead Levels , in Michigan City's Tap Water.br According to a study by state officials, the filters br distributed to Benton Harbor, Michigan, to manage br the city's recent lead water crisis are working properly. .br 'SFGate' reports that the study br was aimed at reassuring residents. .br The study came after residents of Benton Harbor, br along with advocates, criticized the state's slow br response to the city's lead-contaminated water. .br We found that properly operated filters br were successful in reducing lead br considerably and consistently, Tera Fong, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's br water division regional director, via 'SFGate'.br However, the EPA also acknowledged that many br of the filters were not being used properly. .br 'SFGate' reports that the filters were distributed after tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead in the tap water of Benton Harbor in 2019. .br According to the EPA, all samples from nearly br 200 homes with properly installed filters br had levels of lead within federal guidelines. .br Exposure to lead can cause a number br of health problems, including slowed br cognitive development in young children. .br State officials said they would continue to distribute free bottled water until the city's lead water lines are replaced by the spring of 2023. .br State officials said they would continue to distribute free bottled water until the city's lead water lines are replaced by the spring of 2023. .br Marc A. Edwards, a water treatment researcher br at Virginia Tech, points out that relying on br bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. .br Once communities get on br to bottled water, it is a habit, br and it is hard to get off. , Marc A.