City’s $4 million water upgrades coming soon
The city of Gainesville is beginning to spread the word that a more than $4 million upgrade to water services in the Gainesville city limits will soon be coming. While the project is much needed and eagerly anticipated, workers warn that there may be some disruption to water service while construction is being completed. They say the disruption will be as least invasive as it can be, but business owners and residents may think ahead as the project nears.
The $4,252,500 project is being funded through a Department of Natural Resources ARPA grant, which aims to help improve the aging city’s water system.
“Our water system is like most around the country. It is starting to fail and require replacements,” City Water Specialist Jessi Price told the Times.
“This project will mainly focus on the center area of town which is our oldest and most in need. We will be replacing water lines and installing a new water tower that will allow the town to have better pressure, fewer leaks and less water loss as well as supporting a connection to the west side.
“The west side of town will be getting new lines as well as a connection to the center district that can be used in emergencies. This new connection will allow the center area to pump water to the west side if an issue with the west side pump or tower arrises. It should keep us from being without water.
“The east side will also be receiving line replacements as well. There will be boil advisories issued when these lines are replaced. Just a reminder that a boil advisory is only a precaution that DNR provides us with to let the community know there has been a disruption (line replacement, low pressures) and to take caution to boil water before ingestion. These are not boil orders.
“We plan for water disruption to be minimal and will notify residents and business owners as soon as we possibly can before any water is shut off.
“You will still be able to wash clothes and shower normally. You can add a small amount of bleach to your dish water, and you should boil drinking water as a precaution. We will also have some drinking water available at City Hall for any emergencies.
“As always, please give us a call with any questions you may have. When you see these employees working for our town, please be cautious and give them space as they may be in the roadway and a temporary inconvenience,” Price said.
To find out more, call Gainesville City Hall at 417-679-4858 or stop in the office on the northwest corner of the square.