Hibbing Public Utilities addresses water concerns

Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) released a statement on Thursday, March 13 to address public concern with the city’s drinking water quality and infrastructure.

“Like many communities nationwide, Hibbing faces the challenges of aging and outdated infrastructure,” explained Eliot Dixon, Communication & Programs Specialist with HPU. “With 50% of Hibbing watermains beyond their expected service life, our residents are subject to an average of 25 significant watermain breaks per year. These breaks undoubtedly have a negative effect on the quality of service provided by the utility.”

Dixon said that Hibbing’s water is tested daily and is safe to drink. He went on to say that any discoloration of water being seen by Hibbing residents is likely the result of aging pipes and rusting. If someone is seeing that discoloration, he recommends people run their water for a couple of minutes and then they will see the clear water again.

He continued that HPU has been taking “bold” actions to address to address the issue. Dixon cited the launch of HPU’s Watermain Capital Improvement Plan in 2022 as an example.

Dixon said the plan is “a 10-year strategic initiative aimed at annually replacing at least 2% of the water distribution system. Since the adoption of this plan HPU has replaced 17,000 feet of watermains over 7 projects, and will be replacing another 11,000 feet in 2025 alone.”

HPU is also using “trenchless” replacement techniques and say this is the first time those techniques have been used north of the metro.

HPU’s General Manager recently testified before the MN House Capital Investment Committee, drawing attention to Hibbing’s infrastructure needs and also urging bipartisan support for a state bond bill to
assist Hibbing, and other communities, with aging infrastructure.