Post last updated 10/22/2025 3:15 pm
Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water to all residents. Recent water testing conducted between June and September 2025 found that some homes and buildings in Hibbing had elevated lead levels in their drinking water. While this does not mean that the community as a whole is affected, all residents need to understand the situation and take steps to protect themselves and their families.
What Happened
As part of required annual testing under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule, HPU collected 29 water samples from homes across Hibbing. More than 10% of these samples exceeded the EPA’s lead “action level” of 15 parts per billion (ppb). The 90th percentile result for the positive tests was 32 ppb.
| Analyte | EPA Action Level (ppb) | HPU 90th Percentile (ppb) |
| Lead | 15 | 32 |
| Copper | 1,300 | 987 |
The presence of lead is primarily due to lead service lines and household plumbing materials that contain lead or galvanized metal. Over time, these materials can corrode, allowing lead particles to enter drinking water.
What You Can Do
HPU encourages all concerned residents to take the following steps to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water:
1. Use a certified lead-reducing filter
Choose filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (lead reduction) and Standard 42 (particulate reduction). Households with children, pregnant women, or those living in homes built before 1986 should strongly consider filtered water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula.
2. Run your water before using it
If water has been sitting for hours, let it run for a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps flush out any lead that may have leached into the pipes.
3. Use cold water for cooking and drinking
Lead dissolves more easily in hot water. Never use hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead.
4. Clean faucet aerators
Periodically remove and rinse your faucet screens (aerators) to eliminate trapped particles that could contain lead.
5. Identify your service line material
Concerned residents are encouraged to contact HPU at info@hpuc.com or 218-262-7700 to schedule a service line inspection. You can also check the MDH Lead Service Line Inventory Tool at https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/ for all the lines HPU has already inspected.
6. Test your water
Residents can request water testing through HPU or an MDH-accredited laboratory. Contact HPU to have your water tested or find an accredited lab through the MDH Accredited Labs Search Tool at this link.
What HPU is Doing
HPU has been completing projects to reduce/remove the presence of lead across Hibbing’s public and private infrastructure over the last 3 years. These positive tests are a confirmation of the concerns and priorities that HPU has been investing in through the following efforts:
- Through HPU’s Water Service Inventory over the last year, HPU has confirmed 3,314 public side service connections as non-lead. You can view the results of these surveys at https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/.
- HPU secured over $600,000 in funding to replace known lead service lines on both the public and private side of the lines.
- HPU has dedicated an additional $400,000 toward identifying and replacing unknown or potentially lead service lines.HPU has committed to pursuing an additional $1 million in funding for lead service line replacement projects in 2026 & 2027.
- HPU is preparing to install corrosion control treatment at Hibbing’s primary Water Treatment Facility. This process will help prevent lead from leaching into drinking water across Hibbing’s Water System.
HPU still needs to identify approximately 2,300 private-side service lines. Residents can help by scheduling a free inspection with HPU staff. Contact us at 218-262-7700 to arrange an appointment. Through this process HPU seeks to identify and eventually replace all lead service lines across our community.
More Information
For general guidance and resources, visit:
- EPA – Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water: epa.gov/lead
- Minnesota Department of Health – Lead and Drinking Water: health.mn.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my drinking water safe?
Most homes in Hibbing do not have elevated lead levels; however, some properties have plumbing or service lines that can allow lead to enter the water. Because lead exposure can have serious health effects, it is important for all residents to take simple precautions—such as using a certified lead-reducing filter and letting water run before using it for drinking or cooking.
What does it mean that the “action level” was exceeded?
The EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) is a trigger for action, not a health-based safety limit. If more than 10% of tested homes exceed this level, utilities must take additional steps such as increased public education, water treatment adjustments, and lead service line replacements. Exceeding the action level does not mean all homes have high lead levels, but it does require a coordinated response to reduce potential risks.
Can I boil my water to remove lead?
No. Boiling water does not remove lead. In fact, boiling may increase lead concentration because water evaporates and the lead remains. Always use cold, filtered water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula.
Should I use a water filter?
Yes. HPU strongly recommends that households with young children, pregnant women, or residents with high blood pressure use a certified lead-reducing filter for drinking and cooking. Look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (lead reduction) and Standard 42 (particulate reduction). Be sure to replace filters according to the manufacturer’s directions.
How can I find out if my home has a lead service line?
Contact HPU at info@hpuc.com or 218-262-7700 to schedule an inspection. You can also use the Minnesota Department of Health’s Lead Service Line Inventory Tool at https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/
What should I do before drinking or cooking with tap water?
If your water has been sitting unused for several hours, let it run for a few minutes before using it. Running the tap helps flush out any lead that may have leached into the water from plumbing or pipes.
What is HPU doing to fix this problem?
HPU has already taken and will continue to take steps to protect the community’s water quality, including:
Past Action
- Through HPU’s Water Service Inventory over the last year, HPU has confirmed 3,314 public side service connections as non-lead. You can view the results of these surveys at https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/.
- Secured more than $600,000 in funding for lead service line replacement
Future Acton
- Pursuing an additional $1 million in grant funding for replacement projects in 2026–2027
- Installing corrosion control treatment at the Water Treatment Facility
- Prioritizing the identification of approximately 2,300 private service lines still needing inspection
How do I have my water tested?
You can request water testing through HPU or an MDH-accredited laboratory. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health Lab Search Tool for a list of certified labs that provide sample containers and instructions. If your test results show high lead levels, you can find treatment guidance here: Home Water Treatment Options – MDH.