HPU works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to make sure Hibbing’s drinking water is safe. Every year, third-party experts test the water in our community as well as for others across the state, to check for possible contaminants. The results are published in HPU’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which helps keep customers informed about their drinking water quality. The below document is the results of hundreds of tests performed throughout the year of 2024.
This year’s report includes one test result that we would like to explain further. On page 3 of the CCR, you will see a mention of a positive test for Coliform Bacteria. This result occurred in the Kelly Lake area in September of 2024 during the final steps of HPU’s Kelly Lake 1st Ave. Watermain Replacement Project. During construction, dead-end lines connected to the 1st Ave. Watermain were depressurized so work could be completed. Stagnant water sat in these pipes through out the duration of construction. The presence of the bacteria was discovered during routine sampling after the water system was turned back on.
HPU’s response to this testing was to perform extensive flushing on the Kelly Lake System to remove all stagnant water. Follow-up testing confirmed the success of this flushing, and the system returned to full compliance with state and federal drinking water standards. The success of this response indicates that the presence of the bacteria was likely a one-time result of the construction. Because of this MDH assessed HPU with no corrective actions for Hibbing’s water treatment process. Both HPU and MDH continue to perform regular testing to confirm this assessment.
Beyond this incident, the MDH’s testing found Hibbing’s drinking water to be fully compliant with all other existing safety regulations. Testing results are recorded on Pages 3 & 4. If you have any questions about the report or Hibbing’s water treatment process, please contact HPU at 218-262-7700.