JEA First in Florida to Receive State Approval for Comprehensive Pretreatment Program Strengthening System Reliability for Northeast Florida

2026-04-29

JACKSONVILLE, FL (April 29, 2026) – JACKSONVILLE, FL (April 29, 2026) -- JEA is taking another step to protect reliable, affordable, and sustainable water service for customers, becoming the first utility in Florida—and among the first in the nation—to receive state approval for an enhanced, comprehensive pretreatment program under new regulations.

In April, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved JEA’s Comprehensive Pretreatment Program—an important milestone that helps safeguard the environment, strengthen system reliability, and support long-term water supply for Northeast Florida.
“Reliable service begins at the source,” said JEA Managing Director and CEO Vickie Cavey. “This work strengthens our system, protects water quality and delivers long-term value for the customers and communities we serve.”

Protecting Customers Through Proactive System Reliabilit

JEA’s Comprehensive Pretreatment Program enhances existing safeguards by strengthening how the utility monitors and manages what goes down the drain and enters the sewer system—before it ever reaches advanced treatment.
These proactive measures are designed to prevent issues before they occur, helping ensure consistent service and protecting critical infrastructure that customers rely on every day.

Key benefits for customers include:

• Reduced risk of service disruptions
• Stronger protection of water quality throughout the system
• Improved monitoring to identify and address issues early
• More reliable performance of treatment facilities
• Protection of our waterways and natural resources

Together, these enhancements help ensure customers continue to receive safe, dependable service they can trust.
“This process depends on trust at every step, and that starts long before water reaches advanced treatment,” said JEA Chief Water Systems Officer Rob Zammataro. “By strengthening source control, we are adding another layer of protection that enhances reliability, safeguards water quality and supports a sustainable future for our region.”

Delivering Long-Term Value to Customers and the Community

This achievement represents approximately two years of proactive planning and technical leadership by JEA’s Industrial Pretreatment team.
FDEP’s approval confirms that JEA’s Industrial Pretreatment Program meets the enhanced requirements designed to support reliable, high-quality water treatment.

Being first in Florida—and among the first in the nation—positions JEA to continue delivering forward-looking solutions that help control costs, protect infrastructure, and provide long-term value to customers.

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About JEA

JEA is a municipal utility providing safe, reliable and affordable services to more than one million residents across four Northeast Florida counties. JEA is not owned by investors and does not earn a profit. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to meet the electricity and water needs of those who live in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,300-plus workforce is dedicated to meeting customer needs, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development. Learn more at jea.com.

Media Contact

Myers Vasquez
media@jea.com | 904-665-5500

Category:

• conservation
• customer
• environment