City of Gilroy

Gilroy obtains its municipal water from groundwater wells within the Llagas Basin Aquifer. The city currently maintains 9 water wells of varying depths strategically located throughout the community. In 2017, these wells provided water to 56,741 residents for both residential and commercial use.

To ensure safety, Gilroy treats its water with chlorine disinfection to eliminate or reduce harmful contaminants that may be present in source water. The City has conducted a Source Water Assessment which identifies potential impacts to water quality. The assessment determined our source water is most vulnerable to: gas stations, dry cleaners, and metal plating/finishing/fabricating operations.

For questions about this report or the water system, please contact Dan Aldridge at (408) 846-0271. A copy of the Source Water Assessment is available by contacting Engineering at (408) 846-0450.

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) develops new standards, California will update state regulations for local water supplies. The water provided by the City of Gilroy meets all current standards.

System Improvements

To meet growing demand, Gilroy continuously develops and improves its water infrastructure. Recent projects include:

• Booster Station 6 and Reservoir F-1 operations serving Zone 2 water to South Eagle Ridge
• New well drilling and installation (completed 2006, operational 2008)
• Tanks A and B interior recoating and cathodic protection installation
• Installation of a new electrical generator for Well 8/8A (2010)
• Replacement of water main lines on 1st Street, Casey Street, and Swanston Street

Perchlorate Monitoring

The perchlorate plume originating from the Olin Site in Morgan Hill has affected wells as far south as Gilman Street. Gilroy has been testing for perchlorate monthly since February 2003 and quarterly since 2008. Quarterly monitoring will continue. For information about perchlorate contamination and cleanup efforts, visit the Santa Clara Valley Water District website.

Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation measures not only protect our water supply but also reduce treatment costs. Here are some ways you can conserve water:

Indoor Conservation:

• Fix leaking faucets, pipes, and toilets
• Install water-saving fixtures and appliances
• Wash only full loads of laundry
• Take shorter showers and turn off water when not actively using it
• Run dishwashers only when full

Outdoor Conservation:

• Water lawns and gardens efficiently, preferably between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.
• Use mulch around plants and choose drought-resistant vegetation
• Repair leaks in faucets and hoses
• Sweep rather than hose off walkways and driveways
• Follow all water use restrictions

For the latest water conservation regulations, visit www.cityofgilroy.org.

Fire Hydrant Use FAQ

What does this mean for residents?

If you need water for construction, demolition, or dust control purposes, the water department recommends using a Temporary Water Connection, water truck, or on-site water storage tank. If these options aren't available at your project site and you need to use a fire hydrant as a temporary water source, you must first obtain a Fire Hydrant Use Permit from the water department.

When should I apply?

Apply for a permit at least 2 weeks before you need it. For demolition works or new construction, apply for the hydrant permit when submitting your demolition or construction permit application.

Required documentation:

1. Completed permit application for Temporary Use of a Fire Hydrant
2. Location plan showing the position of the hydrant
3. Copy of any memorandum of understanding with relevant fees (if applicable)

Application fees:

• Demolition Unmetered Residential: $510.00
• Demolition Unmetered Commercial: $1920.00

Where to submit applications:

For demolition and development projects, bring your application and fee to the Building, Safety Engineering Environmental Department (BSEED) or visit their website.

Processing time:

Applications typically take 2-3 business days to process. Once approved, you'll receive a Fire Hydrant Temporary Use Permit that must be kept on-site whenever the hydrant is in use.

Payment Options

The water department offers several convenient payment methods to enhance customer experience:

• Payment Kiosks: Make payments with cash, personal check, or credit card at over 40 kiosk locations, some available 24/7.
• No Waiting in Line: Reserve your place in line before visiting a Customer Care Center using your mobile device. Receive text or voice updates about wait times.
• Customer Care Web Portal: Register your account online to make scheduled payments, monitor water usage in real-time, and establish payment plans—all from any device.