Drinking Water and Wastewater Safety

Broken Water Mains and Running Water

If you see a broken pipe with running water, avoid contact with the water and report it to GRU at 352-334-2711.

Unsafe Drinking Water/Boil Water Notices

If your water becomes compromised, GRU will issue an announcement through all media outlets and provide instructions for safe water procedures, which may include:

• Using bottled water for drinking.
• Boiling your water before using it. This will require holding it in a rolling boil for one minute.
• Disinfecting water by adding eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water and letting it stand for 30 minutes. If the water remains cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure.

After the storm, GRU will open several public water stations at various locations around Gainesville.

• Print list of potable water stations
• View locations on a map
• Precautionary Boil Water Notice Overview 

Conserving Water Use

Please try to minimize water use during and after the storm and turn irrigation systems off. This will reduce demand on the drinking-water system, which will help if there is damage to the water plant or the piping distribution system. It will also reduce the volume of wastewater entering GRU lift stations and wastewater pipes, both of which are strained during periods of flooding.

Standing Water

Avoid all standing water as it may be contaminated or energized by a downed power line.