About Us & Our Mission:
Continuing Our Commitment
Once again we proudly present our annual water quality report. This edition covers all testing completed from January through December 2006. We are pleased to tell you that our compliance with all state and federal drinking water laws remains exemplary. As in the past, we are committed to delivering the best quality drinking water. To that end, we remain vigilant in meeting the challenges of source water protection, water conservation, and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all of our water users. Albertville, Hanover, and St. Michael formed the Joint Powers Water Board in 1977. Two members from each city council (one member being the mayor), sit on this six-person board. The member cities, water board, and staff take seriously their commitment to provide to their residents safe, high-quality drinking water at an affordable price.
Joint Powers Water Board history
The Joint Powers Water Board of Albertville, Frankfort Township, Hanover, and St. Michael was formed in 1977 in order to be
able to apply for grant funding for water utility improvements. These proposed improvements included construction of a trunk line
that would serve the communities of Albertville, Frankfort Township, Hanover, and St. Michael, as well as forming a common or
"joint" water supply system. The result was the formation of the Joint Powers Water Board. In order to receive the grant money,
a cooperation of entities had to be displayed - meaning that communities were working together to provide a cost-effective water supply.
The venture was successful. Approximately $1,000,000 in grant money was received toward a total project cost of approximately
$2,000,000. The resulting Joint Powers Water Board then provided coordination and oversight of the newly formed water utility.
Each of the member communities' wells were abandoned, as well as the "standpipes" (cylindrical water storage tanks).
A common water trunk line was constructed through all four communities. The water systems were combined into one.
The utility billing was centrally processed, and the system operated as one utility. The "Board" was comprised of two members of
each of the respective City/Township Councils or Boards. In 1996, as many people know, Frankfort merged with the City of
St. Michael; therefore "Frankfort" was removed from the official name of the Joint Powers Water Board at that time.
Operation and maintenance of the Joint Powers Water Board system has always been performed by a contract maintenance firm.
Munitech operated the system until 1998. In 1998, Veolia Water North America (Formerly USFilter and Professional Services
Group-PSG at that time) was hired to operate, maintain and manage the system. In 1999, the member Cities decided that they
wanted more control over their individual distribution systems (infrastructure that includes water main, hydrants, services
to the curb stops, meters, and valves).
The Joint Powers Water Board Agreement was amended to give each City more control over development and operation within their
City. The water SUPPLY responsibility remained with Joint Powers. At the end of 1999, Albertville decided to operate its own
distribution system and provide for the utility billing process for its residents.
St. Michael and Hanover, as well as Joint Powers, continue to partner with Veolia Water NA to operate and manage their water
(and sewer) utilities and billing systems. Therefore the residents of St. Michael and Hanover will find their City Water and
Sewer Departments are centrally located, run from the Joint Powers Water Treatment Plant offices, with a full time office staff
to support the day-to-day functions. In 2000, the new Water Treatment Plant was constructed to improve the quality of water the
customers receive.