If you're looking for information about the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, please go HERE.
GRU has completed its lead and copper sampling for 2022.
We are happy to report that all samples met drinking water-quality standards.
View Lead and Copper Customer Sampling Instructions
View GRU's Water Quality Report
Purpose
Samples are being collected to determine the contribution of faucet fixtures and household pipes and/or solder to the lead and copper levels in tap water. This sampling effort is being conducted by Gainesville Regional Utilities as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and is being accomplished through the cooperation of homeowners and residents.
Important: Please follow the directions carefully to ensure that the results at your residence will be as accurate as possible. Call GRU once the completed sample kit including sample bottle have been placed outside your residence.
Please use only a cold water tap that is used for human consumption, such as the tap in your kitchen or bathroom. Collect samples from a cold water tap that has not been used for at least 6 hours. However, do not sample the water if it has been stagnant for more than 18 hours.
Here are some examples to consider:
Example 1: Let water sit while everyone is at work/school and first person home fills container with cold water from the kitchen sink.
Example 2: Let water sit overnight and the first person up fills container with cold water from the kitchen sink.
Lead and Copper Sampling "DO NOT":
· Do not use any water in your property (within the house as well as landscape/irrigation) for at least 6 hours.
· Do not use a mop sink, outside faucet, or a tap that is not generally used or intended for human consumption.
· Do not use a faucet at a site which is vacant or from which you have recently been absent.
· Do not use a faucet at a site which has undergone recent (within the last 6 months) plumbing changes.
· Do not sample from a tap which is attached to a water softener, filter, or any type of treatment device.
· Do not remove the aerator (screw-on cap at the end of faucet) before sampling.
· Do not touch the mouth of the bottle or inside of the cap with fingers.
Lead and Copper Sampling Instructions - "DO":
· Use a kitchen or bathroom cold water faucet for sampling.
· Place the opened sample bottle below the faucet and open the cold water tap to a medium flow as you would to fill a glass of water.
· Fill the sample bottle to the bottom of the bottle shoulder. This volume of water is required.
· Cap the sample bottle tightly and seal the bottle back in the zip lock back provided.
· Complete the label on the bottle and ensure the information in it is correct.
· Place the sample kit outside of the residence in the location of the kit's delivery. GRU staff will pick up.
Results from the Lead and Copper monitoring at your residence will be provided to you by GRU as soon as practical but no later than 30 days after the system is notified of the sample results. However, if excessive levels of lead or copper are detected, you will be notified immediately after analysis (usually one or two days after the system learns of the tap monitoring results).
If you have any questions related to this sampling event please contact (352) 393-1270.