Hibbing, MN – Hibbing Public Utilities is deeply grateful for the turnout of community members at the Lead Town Hall. This event was held at the Little Theater of the Memorial Building at 6:00 pm on January 12th, 2026. HPU was joined by ~50 concerned community members who demonstrated strong community interest and engagement around the issue of High Lead Levels in Hibbing’s Drinking Water.
Check your service line material at the Minnesota Service Line Material Tool: https://maps.umn.edu/LSL/
Presenters
Presented on:
- Health Impacts & Common Sources of Lead
Presented on:
- Hibbing’s Annual Lead Testing Results
- Statewide assessment of Lead Testing
- Reduction of personal risk for lead exposure
Presented on:
- System-wide “Get the Lead Out” Projects
- Need for community support
Presentation Materials
Key Topics
- Lead is a naturally occurring material historically used in paint, plumbing, and other products.
- There is no safe level of lead exposure; health impacts are irreversible.
- Children under 6, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, low-income families, and residents in older homes are most vulnerable.
- Lead enters drinking water primarily through lead service lines and plumbing fixtures, not the water source.
- Hibbing experienced a Lead Action level Exceedance after required testing in Summer-Fall of 2025, with 6 of 29 high-risk samples exceeding limits.
- An exceedance requires action by the utility but does not mean all homes have elevated lead levels.
- Identify “Customer-side” service line materials by contacting HPU and conducting a Service Line Survey
- Use certified lead-reducing filters as an interim safety measure.
- Run taps before use, use cold water for drinking and cooking.
- HPU is pursuing a comprehensive, multi-year response to identify, reduce the risk of, and ultimately remove lead sources from across Hibbing’s Drinking Water System.
- Efforts Include:
- Identification efforts through Service Line Surveys and Potholing.
- Evaluating corrosion control solutions within HPU’s water treatment process.
- Coordinated lead service line replacement within existing water main improvement plans.
- HPU plans to seek significant state and federal funding to support this work while protecting customer affordability.
- Community engagement and support are essential to the success of these projects.
Key Questions
What is the material of my service line?
First step is to check if your line review the MN Dept. of Health’s Service Line Material Tool at https://maps.umn.edu/LSL. You can search by address to find if your service line has been identified yet. If your “Customer-side” is listed as “unknown”, you should contact HPU at 218-262-7700 to have a Service Line Survey performed. If your “Utility-side” is listed as “unknow”, HPU will be completing its Potholing projects to confirm service line materials. Homeowners will be notified as these tests are performed.
What filters work to reduce lead levels?
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends using water filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. These filters come in multiple forms, including faucet-mounted, pitchers, and under-sink systems.
For multi-unit buildings, due to the size and complexity of the system needed, it would be worth it to work with a water system professional. For single-unit homes, over-the-counter systems can be very effective.
What funding is HPU pursuing to protect rate affordability?
HPU has been seeking significant funding opportunities through both state and federal programs. HPU will be able to work hand and hand with Minnesota Dept. of Health Staff to pursue external funding to support the timely completion of these projects while protecting rates.
HPU will need the support and advocacy of our community members to be effective in pursuing these funding opportunities.
Why are Galvanized Steel Lines considered a Lead Source?
Many Galvanized Steel Lines have lead fittings/flexors that can result in lead contamination. Because of this reason, the MN Dept. of Health is recommending the full removal and replacement of Galvanized Steel service lines as well.
What can be done for lead plumbing and fittings in the internals of the home?
MN Dept. of Health and HPU recommends working to identify any potential lead sources in your home. These potential sources, like lead service lines, can be mitigated through following the MDH’s recommendations for reducing lead exposure. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/lead.html