Need Help? FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are my wastewater charges determined?
A: We base wastewater charges on metered water use or "the winter maximum," whichever is lower. In warmer months, some water is used outdoors, and is not returned to the wastewater system. Therefore, we charge an amount based on winter water usage, which is known as the winter maximum. We calculate this by taking the larger of the January and February wastewater charges and applying it to an average month's service days (30.4 days). For those who must use significant amounts of water for outdoor purposes throughout the year, we offer a special "irrigation meter" account.
Q: What's the fuel adjustment part of my bill?
A: The fuel adjustment is used to recover fuel costs and is passed on to customers with no mark up. GRU makes no profit on fuel and the fuel portion is exempt from utility tax. We try to make quarterly adjustments to limit the amount of fluctuation in your bill. However, these costs vary each month and season.
Q: What's the utility tax and surcharge?
A: A City utility tax of 10 percent is assessed on the following bills:
- Electric (10 percent surcharge on customers outside the Gainesville Corporate limits)
- Gas
- Water (25 percent on water and wastewater customers outside Gainesville)
- Police
- Fire
- Recreation and parks
- Streets
- Other City services
Alachua County assesses a 10 percent County utility tax on electric, gas and water customers in the unincorporated areas served by GRU.
Q: What's the storm water fee?
A: The fee is assessed based on the amount of runoff from the property. The fee for residential households is $6.50 per month.
It is used to improve the City's storm drainage system. The benefits includes:
- Less flooding
- Reduced erosion
- Improved mosquito control
- Less pollution of groundwater
Q: When is my bill due?
A: The bill is due and payable as of the bill date shown on the bill.
- A late fee will be assessed on any unpaid balance not paid in full by the close of business on the 21st day after being rendered.
- Any bill not paid in full by the close of business on the 28th day after being rendered shall be delinquent and eligible for service disconnection.
Q: Where is the GRU Administration Building located?
A: The GRU Administration Building is located at 301 SE 4th Ave. Map
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: Cashiers and customer service representatives in lobby:
- 8 AM - 5 PM, except weekends and holidays
- 7:30 AM - 7 PM, except weekends and holidays
Q: What are my refuse (garbage) fees?
A: GRU bills refuse fees for the City of Gainesville. Single family residential customers located in the city are assessed a monthly fee for garbage pick-up, recycling and yard trash pick-up. Multi-family residence using the City pick-up service rather than a commercial service will also be assessed a monthly refuse fee. Customers are now charged by the size of the cart used.
Q: What is the customer charge?
A: It is assessed each month, or portion of a month, in which service is active, regardless of whether the service is used. This charge includes the cost of:
- Meter reading
- Managing customer accounts
- Maintaining facilities
- System readiness
Q: Where do I call for utilities line location before I dig?
A: Call toll-free 1-800-432-4770 for free line location service. Call 72 hours before you dig, because digging in unmarked ground is very dangerous. Within 72 hours, electric, gas, water, wastewater, cable television and telephone lines buried on your property will be marked so you can dig safely.
