GRU wins regional award for best-tasting water
Press release from Gainesville Regional Utilities
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – GRU is proud to announce that the Murphree Water Treatment Plant has earned three industry awards, recognizing its excellence in water quality, operations, and professionalism.
On May 15, the plant earned first place in the Best Tasting Drinking Water Competition hosted by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) Region XI. The event, held in Ocala, is open to water utilities from the 12 counties within the region. Entries were judged on taste, odor, color, and clarity.
Murphree also received the “People’s Choice Award,” voted on by attendees, for the best-tasting water. The audience tasted the same water samples from different water plants within Region XI.
On March 25, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recognized Murphree staff with the 2024 Plant Operations Excellence Award for outstanding performance and compliance. The award was given during the 2025 Focus on Change seminar in Lake City.
“The Murphree Water Treatment Plant employees work tirelessly, day in and day out, to provide GRU’s water customers with the most vital resource — clean and safe drinking water, 24/7/365,” said Jody Gilbert, water/wastewater treatment plant manager at the Murphree Water Treatment Plant.
Nice to see we’re getting something for our water charges.
Still can’t understand why waste water charges are higher than potable water though.
First of all, it costs $$ to take poop and paper out of waste water, etc!
it costs more for chemicals to clean it!😳🙄
Wonder why organic foods cost more than non-organic? They’re not using pesticides to add costs, and they’re definitely not paying extra for immigrants, or anyone else, to run around with fly swatters or step on little critters.
This goes back over a year ago. Wastewater calculation changed and no longer was tied to the Winter Max. Apparently, not many utility companies use the Winter Max anymore. So they changed it to coincide with your water usage. Those with 2 meters, one for irrigation and or pool filling didn’t see their rates go up. Those that don’t have 2 meters are paying wastewater fee for irrigating lawn or filling a pool for instance. Don’t agree with it really as feel it is a double hit to many.
It depends on what part of the the city you are in.
Best tasting…..and…..most expensive too!
Bielarski dips his ponytail in it for extra flavor.
I live in the Jonesville area, and this is definitely not true, not in Fletcher’s Mill at any rate.
I don’t think you’re on City Water over there.
Entirely possible. I know it’s outside the city limits, but the whole GRU thing and sources is beyond me.
Thank you GRU staff for your excellent work every day.
Very Welcome. We take our duties very seriously, as potable water directly affects our community’s health. It is a challenge and an honor, to be tasked with this responsibility.