HANNIBAL BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

ELECTRIC, WATER AND WASTEWATER

3 INDUSTRIAL LOOP DRIVE
PO BOX 1589
HANNIBAL, MISSOURI 63401-1589
573-221-8050
www.hannibalbpw.org

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Monitoring and Treatment Technique Requirements not met by Hannibal Water System
Hannibal was required to provide and operate additional treatment for Cryptosporidium inactivation or removal by October
1, 2015. The water system did install Ultraviolet Light (UV) reactors to provide this additional treatment and has been
submitting monthly reports accordingly. However, during the April 2016 monitoring period, the system reported UV
dosage numbers that led to an investigation by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). During the
investigation, it was discovered the system failed to properly validate, monitor and record the required level of UV
treatment in the finished water before the first customer from October 1, 2015 to present. During the same investigation, it
was also discovered the water system failed to properly operate the water treatment processes which reliably achieve
adequate removal and inactivation of Giardia lamblia and viruses since converting to chloramines as the disinfectant and
that the system failed to notify the Department within 48 hours of a UV monitoring equipment failure. In addition, the
system failed to maintain the required minimum disinfectant residual required at the entrance to the distribution system on
May 20, 2016 to May 21, 2016. Although these violations do not constitute an emergency, you have a right to know
what is happening and what we are doing to correct the situation.
What should I do?
There is nothing you need to do unless you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, or are elderly.
These people may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPAs Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at (800) 426-4791. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If the situation arises where the water is no longer
safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.
What does this mean?
This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and
parasites which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
What happened? What is being done?
Corrective measures have occurred and there was no immediate danger. All water system bacteriological testing
during these periods were within the mandated ranges.
This event was caused by the mechanical failure of a chemical pump. The pump was replaced and is operating
effectively. UV calibration and reporting methods have been revised to meet MDNR requirements.
For more information, please contact Heath N. Hall at (573) 221-8050 extension 6037 or at the Hannibal Board of Public
Works PO Box 1589, Hannibal, Missouri 63401.
You may also contact the MDNR Northeast Regional Office at (660) 385-8000 or Public Drinking Water Branch at (573)
526-6925.
Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may have
not received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and
businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or
mail.
This notice can also be found at the Hannibal Board of Public Works website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
This notice is being sent to you by Hannibal State Water System ID# MO2010344 - July 7, 2016