The Hannibal Board of Public Works has begun the process of changing the way it disinfects its drinking water.

In April, voters in Hannibal passed Proposition One, directing the city to eliminate the use of ammonia in treating the city’s water.

On Monday, the BPW board approved retaining the services of Black and Veatch Engineers to conduct studies, compile reports and produce the designs needed to change the city’s method of water treatment.

B&V is expected to submit preliminary findings to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources by November, with DNR approving the report by December 15th.

The study is expected to cost the city around $200,000.

Although Proposition One gave the city 90 days to discontinue the use of chloramines in the city’s water, BPW estimates it will take four to five years to convert to a new water treatment process.

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