GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
The Greater Augusta Utility District (GAUD) wants to assure its customers that the purity and safety of the water it delivers has not been affected by the novel coronavirus. The District’s drinking water comes entirely from groundwater wells—it’s pumped out of the ground and then disinfected with sodium hypochlorite, the primary disinfectant found in household bleach, an excellent chemical for killing bacteria and viruses.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low.”
In a prepared statement, GAUD General Manager Brian Tarbuck said, “Our goal is always to protect public health and safety, both that of our customers and our employees. We provide critical water and wastewater services to the public, and we have taken steps to ensure the continued delivery of those essential services throughout this event.”
GAUD's office at 12 Williams Street in Augusta and all its other facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. Payments can still be dropped off at 12 Williams Street in the mail slot, or may be made online at any time at GreaterAugustaUtilityDistrict.org
GAUD's focus at this time is providing essential services. All other appointments will be postponed, if possible, and water disconnections have been suspended until further notice.
Greater Augusta Utility District provides:
- wastewater treatment for Monmouth, Winthrop, Manchester, Hallowell and Augusta;
- wastewater collection for Hallowell and Augusta;
- stormwater collection for Augusta; and
- fire protection and drinking water services for Augusta, Manchester and parts of Chelsea, Hallowell and Vassalboro.
For further information, please email the District at Info@GreaterAugustaUtilityDistrict.org