What Jacksonville Residents Should Know
Jacksonville's water is primarily sourced from the Floridan Aquifer, a natural underground reservoir that supplies many Florida communities. This groundwater is typically of good quality, but it's naturally high in minerals, including calcium and magnesium, making Jacksonville's water very hard. The aquifer is also vulnerable to contamination from surface activities, which can introduce pollutants into the groundwater.
JEA, Jacksonville's utility provider, treats and distributes water across Duval County through a network of treatment plants and over 4,700 miles of water mains. While JEA meets all federal and state water quality standards, the city's size and age variations in neighborhoods create inconsistencies in water quality. Older areas, particularly in downtown, Springfield, and parts of the Northside and Westside, have aging infrastructure that can introduce contaminants after water leaves treatment facilities.
Recent testing has revealed concerns about lead in older homes with pre-1986 plumbing, elevated levels of disinfection byproducts in some areas, and emerging issues with PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in some water sources. Additionally, the proximity to military installations, particularly Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, raises concerns about potential defense-related contaminants in nearby groundwater.
Key Contaminants Found
These substances have been detected in Jacksonville's water supply at levels that may be concerning for some residents.
Lead
Near Limit in Some AreasSource: Lead service lines, lead solder in plumbing, and older fixtures in pre-1986 buildings
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, kidney problems, high blood pressure
Jacksonville Levels: Average 6.5 ppb (90th percentile), with approximately 7% of samples exceeding the EPA action level
EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no safe level exists
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Near Limit in Some AreasSource: Byproducts formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with organic matter
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure, liver and kidney problems
Jacksonville Levels: 55-75 ppb, varying by location and season, approaching EPA limit in some areas
EPA Limit: 80 ppb
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Below Limit, But PresentSource: Firefighting foam (particularly near military installations), industrial discharges, landfills
Health Effects: Increased cholesterol, changes in liver function, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of certain cancers
Jacksonville Levels: 2.8-3.5 ppt in some areas, particularly near Naval facilities
EPA Limit: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS
Hard Water Minerals
Not a Health ConcernSource: Natural limestone deposits in the Floridan Aquifer
Health Effects: No direct health concerns, but can cause dry skin, hair issues, and appliance/plumbing damage
Jacksonville Levels: 17.2 grains per gallon (294 mg/L), considered "extremely hard"
EPA Limit: Not regulated (aesthetic concern only)
Neighborhood Variations
Water quality can vary significantly across Jacksonville's diverse neighborhoods, primarily due to differences in infrastructure age, pipe materials, and proximity to potential contamination sources.
Water Quality by Area
| Neighborhood/Area | Risk Level | Water Plant | Buildings Pre-1986 | Notable Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield/Downtown | High | Main Street WTP | 82% | Lead, Aging Infrastructure |
| Urban Core/Eastside | High | Main Street WTP | 75% | Lead, TTHMs |
| Northside | Medium | Northside WTP | 52% | Lead, TTHMs, Hard Water |
| Westside | Medium | Southwest WTP | 48% | TTHMs, Hard Water |
| Near Naval Air Station | Medium | Southwest WTP | 35% | PFAS, Hard Water |
| Southside/Mandarin | Low | Deerwood WTP | 25% | Hard Water Only |
Data based on JEA sampling and U.S. Census housing statistics.
Recommended Action Steps
Based on Jacksonville's water quality data, we recommend these actions to protect yourself and your family.
Test Your Water If in an Older Home
If you live in a pre-1986 home, especially in Springfield, Downtown, or the Urban Core, consider testing your water for lead and other contaminants. JEA offers testing services for residents.
JEA Water Testing InfoAddress Hard Water Issues
Install a water softener to mitigate Jacksonville's extremely hard water, which can extend the life of appliances and plumbing while improving soap effectiveness and reducing dry skin and hair problems.
Use Cold Water for Consumption
Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Hot water can contain higher levels of lead and other contaminants as it dissolves them more readily from pipes. Run cold water for 60-90 seconds before using it, especially first thing in the morning.
Consider a Multi-Stage Filter
For comprehensive protection, consider a multi-stage filtration system that addresses Jacksonville's specific water challenges: a water softener for hard water, activated carbon for TTHMs and taste/odor, and reverse osmosis or NSF-certified filter for PFAS in areas near Naval facilities.
Monitor Boil Water Advisories
Jacksonville occasionally experiences boil water advisories during severe weather events, particularly hurricanes. Sign up for JEA alerts to receive notifications about water quality advisories and follow all recommendations during these periods.
JEA Alerts Sign-upCheck for PFAS Concerns
If you live near Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, or other military installations, pay particular attention to PFAS testing. These areas have shown higher levels of these "forever chemicals" due to historical use of firefighting foam.
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