The City of Benton Harbor is now requiring that lead water service lines in the city be replaced.

City Commissioners approved an ordinance last week that requires property owners to allow city-hired crews to replace the lines. WSJM reports that this means the cost of the mandatory replacement will be covered by the city.

Property owners still have the option of having the work done themselves if they choose to do so. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the ordinance isn’t designed to punish those who turn away the crews, but about the city doing everything it can to replace the lead water lines that present an ongoing health hazard.

It’s hoped that all of the lines will be finished by next year.