Water Quality in Jacksonville, Florida
Source of Water
Jacksonville’s drinking water is sourced from the Floridan aquifer, a pristine and stable groundwater source located 800 to 1,000 feet below the surface. This aquifer is protected from chemical contamination by a thick layer of clay, ensuring the water remains clean and fresh1.
Water Quality Standards
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) adheres to the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The annual Water Quality Report provides detailed information on the quality of water, including the presence of any contaminants1.
Contaminants Monitored
JEA monitors for various contaminants, including:
- Microbial contaminants: Such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
- Inorganic contaminants: Such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides: Which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
- Organic chemical contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
- Radioactive contaminants: Which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities1.
Water Hardness
Water hardness in Jacksonville is considered very hard. The hardness level varies by area but averages around 259.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 15.3 grains per gallon (gpg)2. This high level of hardness can cause scaling in pipes and appliances and may affect the efficiency of soaps and detergents.
Effects of Hard Water
- On Appliances: Mineral deposits can build up in pipes and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
- On Skin and Hair: Hard water can cause dryness and irritation, making it difficult to lather soap and shampoo.
- On Cleaning: It can leave spots on dishes and glassware and make cleaning more challenging.
Solutions for water hardness in Jacksonville Florida
- Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the hardness of the water. This is not the best option because water softeners exchange salt for hardness, adding an unhealthy amount of salt to your drinking water. Which is corrosive and bad for the environment. Its usage is also being banned in many municipalities.
- HydroFLOW: this is the best option for treating hard water. It lets you keep the healthy calcium in your water but renders it harmless by not allowing it to adhere to your plumbing and fixture surfaces. Learn more about the benefits of HydroFLOW.
Additional Information
- Lead: JEA has implemented measures to control lead levels, including corrosion control treatments to prevent lead from leaching into the water from pipes1.
- Fluoride: JEA adds fluoride to the water to help fight tooth decay, maintaining levels optimal for oral health1.
- Sulfur Compounds: The water is aerated to remove sulfur compounds, which can cause a rotten egg odor1.
JEA conducts extensive testing and monitoring to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, performing around 45,000 water tests annually1.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the latest Water Quality Report available on the JEA website.