Our groundwater is harder due to dissolved minerals (about 140 mg/L as CaCO3, or 8 grains). Gainesville’s drinking water comes from the Floridan aquifer. We test and treat it at the Murphree Water Treatment Plant.
Trapped air bubbles may be the cause of cloudy water. To clear your water, run the water in the bathtub for five minutes. Repeat if needed.
Why does my water look rusty?
Neighborhood fire hydrant reliability testing may cause rusty-looking water. Run the water in the bathtub for five minutes to flush the water. Remember not to wash clothes until the water clears. If the water does not clear up, please call GRU at 352-334-2711.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
Household plumbing problems may cause a "rotten egg" odor from your sink and may not be directly related to the water supply. If you detect an odor in your kitchen sink, it could result from a partially clogged drain or a dirty garbage disposal. The easiest way to verify this is to check another faucet in the house. If the water from the other faucet is odorless, then the bad odor is probably coming from the garbage disposal. Another cause could be your hot water heater. You should flush your hot water heater annually. When flushing, please turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker, drain the tank, and restore power when the tank is full. Another water heater solution is replacing the magnesium anode with an aluminum anode. Contact a plumber if you have any concerns.
I received a notice in the mail that my water should be tested and that a company was conducting free inspections. Do I need to do this? Is this company with GRU?
GRU’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Consumers should always exercise caution when they are contacted by a vendor that they have not contacted first. Never allow a stranger inside your home. GRU uses employees to monitor water quality and for sampling; and all GRU employees will have an ID. If you have any concerns regarding the quality of your drinking water contact GRU’s Murphree Water Treatment Plant at 393-6501.
What should I do if a company contacts me about water testing?
Home filter companies unaffiliated with GRU may contact you about your water. This may be a scam. If a third-party company contacts you for water testing, or if you have concerns about water quality, please call GRU at 352-393-6501.
A company contacted me and said that I needed to purify my water. Should I?
GRU’s drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Many businesses sell water “purification” devices. Consumers should always exercise caution when purchasing any device that connects to their water system. If you have any concerns regarding the quality of your drinking water, contact GRU’s Murphree Water Treatment Plant at 352-393-6501. For more information, visit gru.com/waterquality or My Florida Legal.
Where can I get more information on PFAS?
Discussions concerning PFAS chemicals have gained attention in both national and local news outlets. The US EPA recently published the first round of results from the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) which included PFAS detections in some public water supplies. GRU sampling for UCMR is scheduled for February and August of 2024. For more information, click here.
Where can I get more information about lead and copper?
GRU routinely monitors your drinking water in accordance with federal and state laws. We test for lead and copper in customers’ homes every three years. Our historical values for lead and copper are low and have met drinking water standards for 25 years. While these contaminants are not in our source water, they can enter tap water through old, corroding household plumbing materials. The US EPA is in the process of updating the Lead and Copper Rule. For more information, visit www.gru.com/lead
Where do I find more information about my water?
For a full report, please view GRU’s annual Water Quality Report.
Why do I sometimes see work crews flushing hydrants?
Hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance procedure conducted by our water department to maintain water quality and system integrity. Flushing helps remove sediment and mineral buildup from the pipes, ensures proper operation of hydrants, and improves water clarity and taste. It also helps us identify and address issues such as low water pressure and stagnant water in the distribution system.
Why is fluoride added to my water?
Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay and promote dental health. It is a safe and effective way to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. The addition of fluoride to public water supplies is endorsed by major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA).
Sometimes I smell an odor from my tap. What could this be?
The presence of odors in tap water can be attributed to various factors, including plumbing issues within your home or the distribution system. If you notice a persistent or strong odor from your tap water, please contact our water department at (352) 334-6501 so we can investigate and address the issue promptly.
How often is the water tested and where?
Personnel from our Murphree Water Treatment Plant test the drinking water on an hourly basis and conduct additional testing throughout the distribution system. Over 63,900 samples are analyzed each year.
Is GRU-supplied water as good as bottled water?
Yes, our supplied water meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. It is drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, a pristine underground water source known for its high quality. Our water undergoes rigorous testing and treatment processes before it is delivered to your home. While bottled water may offer convenience, our tap water is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice that provides the same level of quality.
Where does bottled water come from?
Bottled water can come from various sources, including natural springs, groundwater aquifers, and municipal water supplies. The specific source of bottled water can vary depending on the brand and product. Some bottled water brands may label their products as "spring water," indicating that it comes from natural springs, while others may use treated municipal water. Regardless of the source, bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).