Where does Jacksonville FL get its water?
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on March 01, 2026
Where does Jacksonville get its water from? We attribute this fact to the Floridan Aquifer, our natural water source, which is rated by the U.S. Geological Survey as one of the highest-quality water sources in the country—and bringing that water to hundreds of thousands of homes each day is quite a responsibility.
Just so, is it safe to drink tap water in Jacksonville FL?
Whether it's a funny smell or metallic taste, Jacksonville's drinking water doesn't have the best public perception. News4Jax spoke to JEA and they assured us that the city's water is safe. In fact, they test it more than 50,000 times a year to insure that.
Similarly, is Jacksonville Florida on the water? With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation. We are home to 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, 50 public boat ramps, and the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in the state of Florida.
Just so, how hard is the water in Jacksonville FL?
Our water supply contains higher levels of minerals than normal areas. We can have between 14 Grains Per Gallon to 28 Grains Per Gallon depending on where you live. Jacksonville Fl has water hardness levels that are the highest in all of Florida and considered to be severe by any measurement.
Where does Florida tap water come from?
Florida's water supply comes from the bountiful systems of rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, springs, aquifers and estuaries across the state.
Related Question Answers
What is the biggest water problem in Jacksonville?
Source Of Jacksonville Drinking WaterEven so, one of the biggest threats to the Floridan Aquifer is stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff occurs when rain passes over paved surfaces, collecting pollution as it travels into nearby surface water. Jacksonville water comes from over 115 wells throughout Duval, St.
Why does Florida tap water smell bad?
As much as it rains in Florida, the rain water seeps through the wild and amble vegetation and leaves picking up the organic residue naturally. After rain soaks into the aquifer, the organic compounds converts to sulfur. The sulfur is what gives the water it's nasty smell compared to rotten eggs.How deep is the Florida Aquifer?
2,000 feetIs Jacksonville the capital of Florida?
Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States as of 2020. It is the seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968.What is a challenge Jacksonville has in providing clean safe water?
The challenge is that it is undetectable by human senses. You can check with your local water authority for information about lead levels, but it's important to note that the CDC and EPA say there's no level of lead recognized as safe for consumption.Is Jacksonville water hard or soft?
Jacksonville Fl hard water measures very high in total water hardness. Our area has the highest hard water levels in the State of Florida. A water softener in Jacksonville FL will remove the destructive hardness minerals before they enter your homes plumbing system.Is there fluoride in Jacksonville water?
JEA does not and has never added fluoride to our drinking water.Is Florida Water hard or soft?
Florida water is considered hard to very hard. What is considered had water? According to USGS, water is considered hard at 121 mg/L and very hard at 180 mg/L. The average water hardness for the Florida resident is 100 - 300 Parts Per Million.Is 13 hard water?
85% of homes across the U.S. have hard water, and the average hardness level is 13 grains per gallon. That's considered “very hard.”How do I know if I live in a hard water area?
Water hardness is measured by the number of mineral deposits in your water (parts per million – ppm). A soft water area would have under 60ppm while a very hard water area would register more than 180ppm. The harder the water, the higher the level of salt you'll need.Is hard water bad for your hair?
That's because hard water contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This produces a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, the hair is left dry and prone to breakage. Leave these issues unresolved and it could even lead to hair loss.What ppm is considered hard water?
60-120 ppmHow do you determine water hardness?
Water hardness can be easily measured using a simple soap test kit that will measure in "grains of hardness" (a little bottle with a line marked on it which you fill to the line with water, add a drop of soap, and shake to look for suds. More drops of soap - more degrees of hardness).What percentage of homes have water softeners?
Over one-in-four (27%) homes have a swimming pool. (63%) of pool owners backwashing their pools. One-quarter (25%) of all households surveyed own a Water Softener.Is Jacksonville Florida Safe?
Let's cut to the chase — crime rates here are above the Florida average, and are relatively high on the national scale, too. Neighborhood Scout gives Jax a crime index of 8, meaning it's considered to be safer than only 8% of other U.S. cities.Are beaches open in Jacksonville Florida?
In addition to limits on activities, beaches will open from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. each morning and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. They will remain closed during all other time periods.Are Jacksonville beaches nice?
Flanked by some of the most luscious sands on the northeastern coast of Florida, this bustling metropolis is one of the best places to visit for those hoping for a quiet, laid-back beach experience. Dubbed the "River city by the sea," Jacksonville is a hot spot for nature lovers.Can you swim in St Johns River Jacksonville?
Avoid swimming in or near water that is “scummy,” or colored green or reddish-brown. Despite these hazards, some people do swim in the St. Johns River. For more on this, see (Woods 2018) jacksonville.com/news/20180327/mark-woods-for-spring-break-he-swam-st-johns-river.What body of water surrounds Jacksonville Florida?
Jacksonville, city, seat (1822) of Duval county, northeastern Florida, U.S., the centre of Florida's “First Coast” region. It lies along the St. Johns River near its mouth on the Atlantic Ocean, about 25 miles (40 km) south of the Georgia border.How much is Jea a month?
Water, Electric and Sewer Rates| Basic Monthly Charge | Energy Rate per kWh | Envrionmental Rate per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| $5.50 | $0.06988 | $0.00062 |
What does JEA stand for in Jacksonville FL?
JEA (formerly Jacksonville Electric Authority) JEA is the seventh-largest municipally owned electric utility in the country, serving nearly 420,000 customers across a 900-square-mile service area. It also provides water and sanitation services to area customers.Is Jacksonville Beach an island?
The Jacksonville Beaches communities are all located on an unnamed barrier island defined by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the St. Johns River to the north, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.Is Jacksonville a beach town?
Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Find out everything you need to know about hitting the beach during your trip to Jacksonville.Where is the best drinking water in Florida?
city of Tallahassee'sDoes Florida have a water problem?
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council's recent study, Florida is one of 14 states predicted to face "high risk" water shortages by the year 2050. The state's water is primarily drawn from the Floridan Aquifer as well as from the St. Johns River, the Suwannee River, and the Ocklawaha River.How bad is Florida's water?
The most common and widespread contaminants in Florida are bacteria, nitrates and lead. Other chemicals like ethylene dibromide (EDB), tetrachlorethylene (PCE) and temik have also been found in isolated areas. Contaminated drinking water can cause a number of diseases, and is sometimes fatal to vulnerable people.What state has the best water?
Air & Water Quality RankingsHawaii ranks first in the nation for air and water quality, as well as in the overall natural environment category. Massachusetts places second in this subcategory, followed by North Dakota, Virginia and Florida. Learn more about the Best States for air and water quality below.
