Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect for Sandalwood Area as JEA Continues Testing

2022-08-27

JACKSONVILLE — The precautionary Boil Water Advisory for the Sandalwood area remains in effect, a day after JEA detected E. coli in a sample collected from wells on Saints Road, near its Oakridge Water Treatment Plant. Testing results from Friday’s samples showed clear results, and JEA is continuing testing today.

If results are clear again on Sunday morning, the precautionary Boil Water Advisory will be lifted for the Southside area that includes more than 19,500 JEA customers. JEA is working to ensure the drinking water is not contaminated in the interest of community health and safety. State regulations also require that water utilities have two consecutive days of negative samples from a laboratory.

The positive E. coli sample was collected before being treated at the plant and was not found in the distribution system. JEA closed the Oakridge Water Treatment Plant after confirming the E. coli results on Friday morning.

In the early afternoon on Friday, JEA alerted local media outlets and posted messaging on its social media platforms. The utility sent notifications via text, phone and email to impacted customers. JEA also posted notices and signs at apartment complexes in the Southside area to ensure residents were aware.

However, JEA learned late on Friday night that messaging did not reach all customers in a timely manner. JEA leaders apologize for the delay and are working to address the issues.

JEA encourages residents in the impacted area to check jea.com/bwa and local media for updates.

JEA is complying with all the state Department of Environmental Protection reporting requirements.

About JEA

JEA is a not-for-profit, community-owned utility located in Jacksonville, Florida, proudly serving an estimated 496,000 electric, 374,000 water, 295,000 sewer and 20,000 reclaimed water customers. JEA is not owned by investors. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to serve those who live in Jacksonville and in the surrounding communities. The sole purpose of JEA’s business is to ensure the electric, water and sewer demands of its customers are met, both today and for generations to come with the goal to provide reliable services at the best value to our customers while ensuring our precious natural resources are protected.

Media Contact

Karen McAllister, APR
JEA Media Relations
media@jea.com | (904) 665-5500

Category:

• customer
• environment