Lead service lines in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville serves nearly 920,000 people across 105 water systems. The city's largest provider, JEA MAJOR GRID, delivers water to about 827,000 residents, while smaller systems serve military bases, aerospace facilities, and outlying communities.
What we know about lead in Jacksonville
Florida requires water utilities to test for lead and maintain a public inventory of lead service lines. However, Jacksonville's water systems have not yet reported confirmed lead service line counts to the state's public database. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—it means the testing and inventory work is either ongoing or data hasn't been published yet.
Lead service lines connect your home's water meter (usually at the street) to your house. If your line is lead, water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe, especially if water sits overnight or your home has corrosion issues.
Who serves your water
The five largest systems in Jacksonville are:
- JEA MAJOR GRID (827,000 people)
- JEA: LOFTON OAKS GRID (24,318 people)
- N.A.S. JACKSONVILLE (22,000 people)
- N.S. MAYPORT (20,500 people)
- JEA: PONTE VEDRA GRID (5,395 people)
If you live in Jacksonville, you almost certainly get water from one of the JEA systems unless you're in a military installation area or a smaller independent system.
What you can do now
Your water utility is required to tell you whether your service line is lead, copper, galvanized steel, or unknown. Contact JEA or your local water system directly—they have this information on file tied to your address. Many utilities now let you check online or call a hotline.
If your line is lead or unknown, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run the tap for 30 seconds before using water that's been sitting. These simple steps reduce your risk significantly while you investigate further options.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about your service line material. JEA's main line is available during business hours.
- Request a copy of your utility's lead service line inventory if it's been published.
- If your line is lead or unknown, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush the tap before drawing water after it's been unused for hours.
- Check the CDC website for guidance on testing your water and reducing lead exposure at home.
```json [ { "q": "Does Jacksonville have lead in the water?", "a": "Lead isn't added at the treatment plant. The risk comes from lead service lines—pipes connecting your meter to your house. Jacksonville's water systems haven't reported confirmed lead line counts yet, but testing is required by law. Contact your utility to find out if your specific line is lead." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Call or email your water utility (JEA for most Jacksonville residents) and give them your address. They maintain records of every service line material. You can also hire a plumber to inspect it, though the utility's records are usually accurate." }, { "q": "Is it dangerous to drink Jacksonville tap water?", "a": "Jacksonville's treated water meets federal safety standards. The main concern is lead from old pipes in your home. If your service line is not lead, or if you flush the tap before drinking and use cold water for cooking, your risk is very low." }, { "q": "What should I do if my service line is lead?", "a": "Use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and run the water for 30 seconds after it's been unused for several hours. For a long-term fix, you can replace the line (a plumber can help with cost and options). Talk