Water entering the ground in Keystone Heights and surrounding areas flows into and replenishes the aquifer. Protection of Gainesville s water source is handled by the St. John s River Water Management District, but decisions about land use are made by the county. The scattered patches of ground that constitute the recharge area include land in four counties. Should routine water testing detect any contaminant exceeding the limits set by the EPA or the DEP, GRU is required by law to notify Gainesville s residents within 24 hours. Newspaper, radio and television would be utilized.
Residents can help prevent such a scenario by disposing of hazardous chemicals conscientiously.
Automobile fluids, pesticides, paints, solvents and other hazardous chemicals can all taint water supplies. Safe disposal of hazardous chemicals is provided by Alachua County at its semi-annual Toxic Roundup. N.W. 67th Place, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., on April 25 or 26 will be safely disposed of free of charge. GRU tests the water from 100 homes of various ages each year for lead and copper. So far not one test has exceeded EPA standards.