Jacksonville Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Jacksonville tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. With 180 ppm hardness (10.5 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 125 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Some Concerns
Monitor recommended
10.5 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Jacksonville Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Jacksonville tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.
7 contaminants were tested in Jacksonville's water. 5 were detected — all within EPA limits.
EPA Violations — 15 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 9 water systems. Plus 110 monitoring/reporting violations.
Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a legal safety limit for a specific contaminant. This is more serious than administrative violations.
→ Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 50 ppb — 63% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Long-term exposure 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.
Inorganic Chemicals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 1.2 ppm (30% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in recent testing — a positive result.
Lead — Lead (0 ppb) is well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 9 water utilities serving 211K people in the Jacksonville area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With hard water (180 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Jacksonville Water?
180 ppm
10.5 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 180 ppm, Jacksonville has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Range: 20–60 ppm
Based on 44 samples from City of Jacksonville CCR / Web Sources (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
0 ppb
Jacksonville lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
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, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
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”
No PFAS detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in the most recent testing.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
63% of EPA limit
Range: 40–50 ppb
Fluoride
30% of EPA limit
Range: 0.2–1.2 ppm
Chlorine
21% of EPA limit
Range: 0.21–2.2 ppm
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
10% of EPA limit
Range: 5–6 ppb
Other Detected Contaminants
7 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | 1.2 ppm Range: 0.2-1.2 2023 data - Natural fluoride from Black Creek Aquifer | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 30% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 50 ppb Range: 40-50 LRAA September 2024 | 80 ppb | Caution 63% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 6 ppb Range: 5-6 September 2024 | 60 ppb | Safe 10% of limit |
Chlorine | 0.84 ppm Range: 0.21-2.2 Running Annual Average | 4 ppm | Safe 21% of limit |
Sodium | 147 ppm Range: 33-207 2023 data - Naturally present, no MCL | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/8 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/8 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
125
Total Violations
15
Health-Related
110
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Jacksonville's Water?
Utility Name
ONSLOW WTR AND SEWER AUTHORITY
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NC0467035
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
211K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Jacksonville tap water quality
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
Soft water
Raleigh
Soft water
Clemmons
Soft water
Durham
Soft water
Greensboro
Soft water
Fayetteville
Soft water
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: City of Jacksonville CCR / Web Sources (2024) • View report