Jacksonville Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Jacksonville tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At just 21 ppm (1.2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 28 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
1.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Jacksonville Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Jacksonville tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
9 contaminants were tested in Jacksonville's water. 7 were detected, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes at 70.81 ppb (EPA limit: 80 ppb) — exceeds the EPA maximum contaminant level.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Other Contaminants — Sodium is at 126.43 ppm — 79% of the EPA limit (160 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A naturally occurring mineral present in most water sources. Not regulated by the EPA but monitored for taste. No EPA health-based limit. People on sodium-restricted diets should be aware of high levels (above 20 mg/L).
→ Reverse osmosis or distillation can reduce sodium levels.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 2 PFAS compounds detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPeA at 6.58 ppt.
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 1.06 ppm (27% of EPA limit).
Lead — Lead (1.46 ppb) is at 10% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 19 water utilities serving 912K people in the Jacksonville area.
Based on publicly available data from JEA 2024 Water Quality Report / jea.com/hardness (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Jacksonville water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) exceed EPA limits. A carbon filter can effectively reduce chlorine byproducts like THMs and HAAs.
How Hard is Jacksonville Water?
21 ppm
1.2 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Estimated from 3 neighboring counties. Actual values may vary.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 122–375 ppm
Based on 189 samples from JEA 2024 Water Quality Report / jea.com/hardness (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Jacksonville tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Jacksonville
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.46 ppb
Jacksonville lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-01
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
Exceeds89% of EPA limit
Range: 25.71–91.49 ppb
Sodium
79% of EPA limit
Range: 8.18–126.43 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
46% of EPA limit
Range: 5.9–31.96 ppb
Fluoride
27% of EPA limit
Range: 0–1.06 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
9 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | 1.06 ppm Range: 0-1.06 Naturally occurring from Floridan Aquifer - not added | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 27% of limit |
Sodium | 126.43 ppm Range: 8.18-126.43 Salt water intrusion - varies significantly across grid | 160 ppm | Caution 79% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 70.81 ppb Range: 25.71-91.49 LRAA 2024 Major Grid - Max 91.49 ppb exceeds MCL 80 ppb at individual samples | 80 ppb | Exceeds 89% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 27.6 ppb Range: 5.9-31.96 LRAA 2024 Major Grid | 60 ppb | Safe 46% of limit |
Chlorine | 1.06 ppm Range: 0.21-3.5 2024 Major Grid - highest RAA | 4 ppm | Safe 27% of limit |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 0/61 samples, confirmed by CCR | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 0/61 samples, confirmed by CCR | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPeA | 6.58 ppt Range: 0-6.8 UCMR5 4/61 samples detected, confirmed by CCR (avg 0.9 ppt incl. NDs) | N/A | Safe |
PFPeS | 4.92 ppt Range: 0-5.2 UCMR5 4/61 samples detected, confirmed by CCR (avg 0.6 ppt incl. NDs) | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
28
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
28
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Jacksonville's Water?
Utility Name
JEA MAJOR GRID
EPA System ID (PWSID)
FL2161328
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
912K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jacksonville tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Florida
Miami
Very Hard water
Orlando
Very Hard water
Tampa
Very Hard water
West Palm Beach
Very Hard water
Clearwater
Very Hard water
Lithia
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: JEA 2024 Water Quality Report / jea.com/hardness (2024) • View report