Water and Wastewater Q & A

Before the storm, prepare for interrupted water and wastewater service

Q: What number should I call if I have a water or wastewater problem?

A: Call (352) 334-2711 with any water or wastewater concerns or reports of water or wastewater facility problems

Q: What should I do to prepare for the possible loss of water service?

A: Store an adequate supply of bottled water to meet the drinking water needs of your family. Before the storm, fill your bathtubs with water to be used for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted.

Q: How will I know if my water is safe?

A: If your water becomes compromised GRU will issue a "boil water notice" through all media outlets. We will then advise safe water procedures including:
1) Using bottled water for drinking
2) Boil the water before using; holding it in a rolling boil for one minute
3) Or, disinfecting water by adding 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of plain unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes; if the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure

Q: Will GRU make water available to those without a clean water source?

A: After the storm, GRU will open several public water stations at various locations in our system. To read the locations, click here. To see the locations on a map, click here.

Q: Is standing water safe after a storm?

A: Do not come into contact with standing water after the storm. It could contain contaminants or be energized by hidden electrical equipment. Always keep children and pets out of standing water.

Q: If my water is running and safe, can I use all I want?

A: Minimize water use during and after the storm. 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. Minimizing inside water use will also reduce the volume of wastewater entering GRU lift stations and wastewater pipes, both of which are strained during periods of flooding.

Q: What if a member of my family has special health needs requiring water?

A: Persons with special medical needs or those on life sustaining equipment should make plans to evacuate prior to the storm event. Although most utilities do give priority to life support customers during isolated electric outages, during natural disasters with widespread outages it is impossible to give individual priority due to the extent of the damage and the order in which utilities must be restored. Contact the Alachua County Office of Emergency Management (352) 264-6500 for evacuation information prior to an approaching storm.