Jacksonville's Water Pollution: Impact And Action Needed

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Jacksonville, Florida, as the city strives to provide safe and dependable drinking water to its residents. The Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) delivers over 110 million gallons of water daily, primarily sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. While the water undergoes treatment processes such as aeration and chlorination, concerns remain about the presence of contaminants. Lead, arsenic, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts have been detected in Jacksonville's water supply, with levels exceeding EPA standards in some cases. The city's Environmental Quality Division works to protect the water environment and address citizen complaints regarding pollution events. However, aging infrastructure and overwhelmed sewage treatment systems continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to safeguard Jacksonville's water resources.

Jacksonville's drinking water is drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, requiring chlorine treatment

Jacksonville's drinking water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer, a vast underground network of porous rock that stores water in its crevices. Located about 1,000 feet below the Earth's surface, the aquifer spans 82,000 square miles, providing water for almost 10 million people across the southeastern United States.

The Floridan Aquifer is a critical source of water for Jacksonville, with the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) delivering over 110 million gallons of water daily to the city and its surrounding areas. To access this water, the JEA uses deep well turbine pumps to withdraw groundwater through a network of over 130 wells.

However, water from the Floridan Aquifer is not always suitable for drinking without treatment. In some areas, the water contains various minerals or salts, requiring chemical treatment to make it potable. One such treatment is chlorination, which is a standard disinfection process used by most American water systems, including the JEA. Chlorine is added to the water supply to kill viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

While chlorination effectively treats harmful microorganisms, it can introduce unwanted byproducts known as disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA), which have potential health risks. For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the levels of these byproducts in drinking water, setting maximum contaminant levels to ensure public safety.

In addition to chlorination, the JEA employs other treatment methods to improve the taste and quality of Jacksonville's drinking water. Most of their 39 water treatment plants use aeration to reduce any unpleasant sulfur-related odours, while two plants use ozone treatment for the same purpose.

Jacksonville's water contains lead, arsenic and other harmful substances

Jacksonville's water supply is contaminated with lead, arsenic, and other harmful substances, posing a significant risk to the health and safety of its residents.

The presence of lead in Jacksonville's drinking water is a pressing concern. Lead contamination often originates from plumbing fixtures and pipes, rather than the water source itself. While the 2020 sampling detected lead levels of 1.7 parts per billion at the municipal level, this may not accurately represent the concentration at individual taps. It is important to note that lead has no safe level for children, as recognised by the EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Federal regulations cannot account for variations in lead levels at different taps, highlighting the need for localised testing and treatment.

Arsenic, another hazardous substance in Jacksonville's water, is a naturally occurring heavy metal. Arsenic levels in the JEA's Main Grid were measured at 1.03 ppb in 2020, which did not exceed EPA water quality standards. However, it is recommended that tap water with levels higher than 1 part per billion be treated to remove arsenic, especially in households with children. Arsenic exposure is linked to an increased risk of cancer and other adverse health issues.

In addition to lead and arsenic, Jacksonville's water also contains per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These emerging contaminants are commonly found in firefighting foam, Teflon, non-stick surfaces, and food packaging. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including an elevated risk of cancer, reduced fertility rates, and developmental issues in infants and young children. While municipal water systems are not mandated to test for PFAS, their presence in the groundwater and drinking water of nearby military bases and airports is concerning.

The contamination of Jacksonville's water with lead, arsenic, and other harmful substances underscores the urgency of addressing water pollution. It is essential to implement measures to mitigate these risks, protect public health, and ensure access to safe drinking water for all residents.

Jacksonville's water is tested for bacteria and chemicals

Jacksonville's water is sourced from the Floridan Aquifer, around 1,000 feet below the Earth's surface. The city's water supply is managed by the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA), which delivers more than 110 million gallons of water each day to most of Duval County, parts of St. Johns County, and Yulee in Nassau County.

The JEA conducts extensive testing for a range of potential contaminants, including bacteria and chemicals, to ensure the safety of the water supply. The JEA's lab in downtown Jacksonville performs around 200,000 analyses per year, with approximately 40,000 of those focused on drinking water. The JEA's testing includes checking for bacteria, pesticides, mercury, and other potential contaminants.

In addition to routine testing, the JEA is proactive in preparing for new challenges. For example, in anticipation of proposed federal regulations requiring drinking water to be tested for Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), the JEA has invested in a $500,000 machine to ensure compliance with these new standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing drinking water quality in the United States. The EPA establishes standards and regulations to ensure that water supplied to homes is safe for consumption. However, it's important to note that private wells are not regulated by the EPA, and testing requirements for these wells vary from state to state.

In the case of Jacksonville, the city's Environmental Quality Division plays a crucial role in protecting the water environment and ensuring its beneficial use. They are the lead environmental agency collecting surface water quality data in Duval County and coordinate their activities with other agencies in the area. They also investigate citizen reports of pollution and address any issues related to water quality.

While Jacksonville's water source is naturally protected by a layer of impenetrable clay, which serves as a natural filter, the city remains vigilant in testing and maintaining high standards for water quality.

Jacksonville's water is treated at the Nano-filtration plant

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Jacksonville, Florida, and Jacksonville, North Carolina, with both cities facing challenges in providing clean and safe drinking water to their residents. Water pollution can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment, making it essential to address this issue.

Jacksonville, Florida, has been named one of the US cities with the worst drinking water, with concerns about lead, arsenic, PFAS, and disinfection byproducts in the water supply. On the other hand, Jacksonville, North Carolina, draws its water from two groundwater sources, the Upper and Middle Cretaceous Sand Aquifers, and the Castle Hayne aquifer. While the water from the Sand Aquifers requires minimal treatment, the water from the Castle Hayne aquifer is treated at the city's Nano-filtration plant.

Jacksonville's water treatment plant in North Carolina uses nanofiltration, an advanced treatment method that effectively removes undesirable organics, salts, and contaminants, enhancing both the safety and taste of the water. This process collects unwanted particles during filtration for safe disposal. The Nano-filtration plant can process up to 4 million gallons of water daily, ensuring a steady supply of clean water for the city's residents.

The Nano-filtration process begins with the addition of an antiscalant, a safe chemical that protects the filters from buildup. The water then passes through filters that remove large particles. Computerized monitoring systems allow staff to closely monitor and control the water filtration process during all stages of treatment.

After nanofiltration, the water undergoes a bio-scrubbing process to eliminate any remaining natural odors. It is then disinfected, conditioned, and pH-adjusted to ensure it meets the required standards. The thoroughly cleansed water is stored in a 2-million-gallon container before distribution to the community.

The Nano-filtration plant plays a crucial role in ensuring that Jacksonville's water supply is safe and of good quality. By investing in advanced treatment methods and rigorous testing, the city demonstrates its commitment to providing its residents with dependable drinking water.

Jacksonville's water supply is vulnerable to oil spills and leaks

Oil spills can have detrimental effects on the environment, and Jacksonville's water supply is at risk due to its proximity to potential sources of oil pollution. Oil spills can occur from large tankers, but collective non-point sources, such as industrial and domestic runoff, discharge more oil into the water. Oil can also seep naturally from the ocean floor and eroding sedimentary rocks, contributing to pollution.

The impact of oil spills on the environment and water sources can be severe. Oil spreads quickly over the water surface, blocking sunlight and harming plants that rely on photosynthesis. It can settle at the bottom of water bodies, affecting bottom-dwelling fish and other organisms. Oil also affects marine life, coating the feathers and fur of birds and animals, impairing their ability to insulate themselves and causing ingestion when they clean themselves.

Oil spills can contaminate water intended for drinking and other purposes, posing risks to human health. Oil contains toxic substances that can mix with water, rendering it unsafe for consumption. Additionally, oil spills can result in closed beaches and harbors, impacting fishing and hunting activities, which can be detrimental to communities that depend on these sources for sustenance.

The vulnerability of Jacksonville's water supply to oil spills and leaks highlights the importance of proactive measures and effective response strategies. Organizations like JSC play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of oil spills and protecting the local environment and water sources.

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