Lead Service Lines in JEA MAJOR GRID's Water System
JEA MAJOR GRID serves approximately 826,664 people in Florida. Like all US water utilities, it is required to test for and report on lead in drinking water—but the rules around lead service lines (the pipes that connect the main water line to individual homes) have changed significantly in recent years.
What you need to know right now
As of now, JEA MAJOR GRID has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. The utility is required to finish this inventory and, if lead lines are found, develop a plan to replace them over time.
This is not unusual. Many utilities across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their lead service lines. An incomplete inventory does not mean your home is safe or unsafe—it means the work is still underway.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the main source of lead in tap water for most American homes that have it. If your home was built before 1986 and is connected to an older water main, there is a possibility your service line contains lead. Lead can leach into water over time, especially if the water is corrosive or if the pipe is disturbed.
The EPA and CDC recommend that homes with potential lead exposure—especially those with young children or pregnant people—get their water tested and consider using filters or other precautions while utilities complete their replacement work.
What's happening at JEA MAJOR GRID
Your utility is required by federal law to:
- Identify which homes are served by lead service lines
- Test water quality at the treatment plant and in homes
- Communicate findings to the public
- Develop and carry out a replacement schedule
Until the inventory is complete, you won't know from JEA MAJOR GRID's records alone whether your home has a lead service line. That's why the next steps below are important.
Next steps for residents
- Contact JEA MAJOR GRID directly to ask about your specific address and whether a lead service line is suspected. Call their customer service line or visit their website.
- Get your water tested through a certified lab if you're concerned. Your county health department can provide a list of labs.
- If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about lead testing and risk reduction while utilities work on replacements.
- Check for utility funding: ask JEA MAJOR GRID whether you qualify for assistance with testing or line replacement costs.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does JEA MAJOR GRID have lead in its water?
JEA MAJOR GRID is still completing its inventory of lead service lines. An incomplete inventory doesn't mean there is or isn't lead—it means the work is ongoing. Contact the utility directly to ask about your address.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Your utility can tell you based on records and the age of your home. Homes built before 1986 in older neighborhoods are more likely to have lead lines. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is my water safe to drink right now?
JEA MAJOR GRID tests water at the treatment plant and in homes. If you're concerned, you can get your tap water tested through a certified lab. For health concerns, contact your doctor or call the CDC hotline.
What should I do while the utility works on replacing lead lines?
Run cold tap water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water has sat unused overnight. Consider a certified lead-reduction filter. If you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about precautions.