There had been little change in the Lula water situation during the day Wednesday when Jerry Neace, the city’s Interim City Manager, responded to our questions at mid-afternoon following an early morning update.
The problems began over the weekend and resulted in a Boil Water Advisory which remains in effect.
Basically, the problem stems, Neace said, from a number of factors including low water tables in the town’s wells. And a connection to Gainesville’s water system is not working like it should.
However, Neace said the situation had not worsened by mid-afternoon. And he emphasized that no contaminants had entered the water system.
He also said the city is working with Gainesville and a state group to find a short-term as well as a long-term solution, closing with an urgent plea for the people of Lula to conserve water as much as possible.
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Below you will find Neace’s full responses to our questions:
*Can you give me an update on the situation?
The city is still working to resolve the current issue as it relates to low tank and water pressure issues. The issue remains the same that demand has outpaced production of our wells over the last week. This is a culmination of the recent hot weather, continued drought, and low water tables at our wells. The city has an interconnect with the city of Gainesville. However, it is undersized and the pressures of the two systems are different resulting in the city not being able to gain much water from the Gainesville system.
*Is it getting better? Or worse? Or is it about the same?
It currently is staying the same. Some areas of town experience low pressure and other areas do not. The boil water advisory is only a precautionary measure due to a handful of areas experiencing the low water pressure. One thing I want to make clear, at this time, there have been no water main breaks in the water system that we have found, therefore, no contaminants have entered the water system. Our employees are being vigilant in watching for water leaks in case we may have overlooked something over the last few days.
*And if you have a personal message as City Manager for the people affected by this?
The city and its employees are doing everything they can and are committed to rectifying the situation. We are working with the city of Gainesville and Georgia Rural Water Association to find short term, as well as long term solutions. On behalf of the Mayor and City Council, they appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this difficult period. The elected body is committed to moving forward with long term solutions so that this type of event does not happen in the future.
*I would like to remind the city’s water customers that the city is currently on an outdoor watering ban,” Neace added. “Please do not water lawns, gardens, or refill swimming pools at this time until we are able to recover from this unfortunate event. Also, please, at every opportunity-CONSERVE WATER.”