Jacksonville – Florida
Jacksonville, Florida’s largest city by area and the largest city in the contiguous United States, serves over 1 million residents through JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority), which operates one of the nation’s largest municipal water systems. The utility manages approximately 4,500 miles of water mains, 42 water facilities, and 42 pumping stations, delivering over 200 million gallons daily across 840 square miles.
Jacksonville’s water comes entirely from the Floridan Aquifer, one of the world’s most productive groundwater systems that underlies much of Florida and southern Georgia. This artesian aquifer naturally filters water through limestone and provides excellent source water quality. The city’s extensive water system serves both the urban core and suburban areas, including beaches, with a sophisticated network of treatment plants designed to handle the unique characteristics of Florida’s groundwater while ensuring compliance with all federal drinking water standards.
Jacksonville Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 1.5 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting Jacksonville’s modern infrastructure and effective corrosion control.
- Testing Scope: JEA conducts over 50,000 water quality tests annually across its extensive distribution network, including routine lead monitoring at homes throughout the service area.
- Compliance Status: Jacksonville’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
Floridan Aquifer Advantage
- Naturally Filtered Source: The Floridan Aquifer provides water that has been naturally filtered through limestone for thousands of years, resulting in excellent baseline water quality.
- Abundant Supply: The aquifer’s massive capacity provides Jacksonville with a reliable, drought-resistant water source capable of meeting current and future demand.
- Protected Resource: Strict wellhead protection zones and aquifer recharge area management ensure long-term water quality and availability.
Advanced Treatment Technologies
- State-of-the-Art Plants: Jacksonville operates multiple advanced water treatment facilities, including the new West Nassau Water Reclamation Facility, employing membrane bioreactors and reverse osmosis technology.
- Comprehensive Treatment: All groundwater receives treatment for natural minerals, disinfection, and corrosion control using optimal chemical dosing based on extensive water quality modeling.
- Redundant Systems: Multiple treatment trains and backup systems ensure continuous high-quality water delivery even during maintenance or emergency situations.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Main Replacement Program: JEA replaces approximately 30 miles of aging water mains annually, prioritizing older pipes and areas with higher leak rates to improve system reliability.
- Smart Water Initiative: Advanced metering infrastructure deployment includes real-time leak detection and customer usage alerts, helping reduce system water loss to just 9%.
- Resilience Planning: Infrastructure hardening for hurricane resistance and sea level rise adaptation, including elevated facilities and flood-resistant equipment installations.
Environmental Stewardship
Jacksonville’s commitment to water sustainability includes comprehensive watershed protection, aquifer recharge enhancement projects, and innovative water conservation programs. JEA has implemented Florida’s first utility-scale aquifer storage and recovery system, storing excess treated water underground during low-demand periods. The utility also operates one of the Southeast’s most advanced water recycling programs, providing reclaimed water for irrigation and industrial uses, helping preserve the Floridan Aquifer for drinking water needs.
Recommendations for Jacksonville Residents
Hurricane Preparedness
Store at least 3 days of water (1 gallon per person per day) for hurricane season. Consider installing a generator-powered well pump or water storage system for extended outages.
Conserve Year-Round
Follow JEA’s year-round watering restrictions (twice weekly based on address). Use native plants for landscaping and take advantage of rebates for efficient fixtures and irrigation systems.
Consider Water Softening
Jacksonville’s naturally hard water may benefit from home water softening for appliance longevity. Choose salt-free systems to avoid environmental impacts and follow local ordinances for discharge.
Maintain Your Septic
Many Jacksonville-area homes rely on septic systems. Regular maintenance helps protect groundwater quality. Never flush medications, and consider upgrading to advanced treatment systems in sensitive areas.
Use MyJEA Tools
Sign up for MyJEA online services to monitor water usage, receive leak alerts, and access water quality reports. Set up automatic notifications for any service interruptions or water advisories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacksonville’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Jacksonville’s tap water is safe and meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Our water comes from the pristine Floridan Aquifer, which naturally filters water through limestone. JEA conducts over 50,000 water quality tests annually and publishes detailed results in our annual Water Quality Report.
The natural limestone filtration process removes most contaminants while adding beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. All water is further treated with state-of-the-art technology, including chlorination for disinfection and corrosion control to protect distribution pipes. If you live in a home built before 1987, you may want to test for lead as a precaution, though our system shows very low lead levels overall.
Why is Jacksonville water so hard?
Jacksonville’s water is naturally hard (typically 12-15 grains per gallon) because it comes from the Floridan Aquifer, where water dissolves minerals from limestone rocks. This natural process adds beneficial calcium and magnesium to our water supply.
Hard water is not harmful to health – in fact, it may provide beneficial minerals. However, it can cause:
• Scale buildup on fixtures and appliances
• Soap scum in showers and sinks
• Increased detergent use for cleaning
Many residents install water softeners for convenience. Choose systems wisely, as saltwater discharge can impact the environment and some newer systems are salt-free alternatives.
How does Jacksonville prepare for hurricanes?
JEA maintains extensive hurricane preparedness protocols to ensure water service continuity during tropical storms and hurricanes:
• Infrastructure Hardening: Elevated and flood-resistant facilities, backup generators, and reinforced critical equipment
• Emergency Stockpiles: Treatment chemicals, fuel, and repair materials stored at multiple secure locations
• Pre-staging: Repair crews and equipment positioned strategically before storms
• Inter-utility Cooperation: Mutual aid agreements with other utilities for rapid response and recovery
• Customer Communication: Real-time updates via social media, websites, and mobile apps
Residents should still maintain personal emergency supplies: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days.
What are Jacksonville’s water restrictions?
Jacksonville follows year-round water conservation rules designed to protect our water resources:
Standard Restrictions:
• Twice weekly watering based on address (even/odd)
• No irrigation between 10 AM and 4 PM
• Use rain shut-off devices
• No excessive water use (washing driveways, etc.)
Drought Level Restrictions:
• Level 1: Voluntary conservation (current baseline)
• Level 2: Once weekly watering maximum
• Level 3: Emergency restrictions with significant penalties
Visit jea.com/conservation for current drought level and specific requirements. Violations may result in fines or service disconnection.
Contaminants of Concern
Calcium and Magnesium (Hard Water)
Source: Naturally occurring minerals dissolved from limestone as water passes through the Floridan Aquifer
Health Effects: These minerals are actually beneficial for health, contributing to daily calcium and magnesium intake. No negative health effects
Current Status: Typical levels of 12-15 grains per gallon; considered cosmetic issue affecting appliances and cleaning, not a health concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chlorine used for disinfection reacts with natural organic matter in water
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risks of bladder cancer and reproductive effects
Current Status: Monitored closely and maintained well below EPA maximum levels; higher in summer months but always within safe ranges
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
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