Water sustainability is a complex topic. So, we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we receive to help inform our community and better inform our customers about the H2.0® program and what it aims to achieve.
Purified water is water essentially free of all chemicals (it must not contain more than 10 parts per million of total dissolved solids), and may also be free of microbes if treated by distillation or reverse osmosis. (source: epa.gov)
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Our water supply comes from a vast underground source called the Floridan aquifer. It is our best and most cost-effective source. However, the aquifer is a finite resource and JEA is approaching the permitted withdrawal limit. An alternative supply is needed in addition to the aquifer to meet the needs of our community.
There are several possible solutions for ensuring a sustainable water supply in the future. While JEA has already implemented robust conservation initiatives, additional conservation from our customers will be one part of the solution. A second part of the solution is continued expansion of JEA’s large reclaimed water system where reclaimed water is used for irrigation instead of potable water. Both of these efforts help to reduce the amount of water our customers use. The final part of the solution is an alternative water supply. The H2.0 Program is JEA’s answer to that part of the sustainable water equation.
Planning for JEA’s water purification program began in 2014. The three-phase, multi-year program consists of pilot testing, demonstration and implementation. The first phase began with pilot-testing two industry-leading purification technologies in 2016. The research was a cooporative effort with the St. Johns River Water Management District, focused on identifying sustainable water resources to support the needs of the state. In 2019, following an extensive evaluation of both technologies, performance and cost, JEA selected the membrane-based purification process for future phases of the program.
Like other JEA water treatment and water reclamation facilities, water purification is permitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has regulations for permitting water purification facilities (referred to FDEP as Advanced Treatment Water Facilities). There are a number of other various aspects of the project that have specific permits and meet Federal, State and local regulations. As part of Florida’s Senate Bill 64 which requires utilities to eliminate non-beneficial surface water discharges by January 1, 2032, JEA’s water purification program will allow JEA to comply with these state mandated requirements.
JEA’s H2.0 Purification Program results in numerous benefits to the community and the environment, including:
a) Long-term water supply resiliency and sustainability while protecting the aquifer for future generations.
b) Continue producing safe water produced in a cost-effective manner.
c) Increased available groundwater supply by replenishing the aquifer.
d) Continue our commitment to environmental stewardship by maximizing the use of available water resources.
e) Reduced conveyance of water to the St. Johns River while complying with state legislation regarding sustainability.
f) Maximize the use of available water resources while also directly reducing the unused volume of water conveyed to the St. Johns River (as required by Senate Bill 64 - Elimination of Non-Beneficial Surface Water Discharge).
Water that is treated at the H2.0 Purification Center comes from the used water of our customers throughout the service territory. This includes wastewater resulting from kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, irrigation, and other sources.
The water outputted from the H2.0 purification program is used for groundwater recharge - meaning it is reintroduced into the Aquifer to replenish the supply from which we draw our community’s fresh water.
Not directly. Water that goes through the H2.0 purification center is is reintroduced into the ground to replenish the aquifer with water that is cleaner than when it came out. This water then becomes part of the vast aquifer once again, where is where we draw our drinking water for the region.
The multi-barrier membrane-based process consists of a combination of established treatment methods, including membrane filtration followed by reverse osmosis and ultraviolet advanced oxidation. The resulting water is cleaner than when the water was removed from the aquifer.
JEA is required to analyze and comply with close to 7,000 water quality samples each year. JEA also collects additional water quality samples in as part of performance optimization.
JEA has a longstanding commitment to ensuring the sustainability of Northeast Florida’s water supply. Our efforts include water conservation efforts, a robust reclaimed water program, and public education and involvement in sustainability measures. To learn more about these efforts, visit JEA.com.
Yes. JEA provides tours of the H2.0 Purification Center by appointment. You can schedule your visit for small and large groups here.
Generally speaking, there will be no impact to local communities or businesses as the entire purification process is enclosed. Therefore, there are no odors. JEA also included a noise study to ensure there are not exceedances to any noise ordinances.
You can contact JEA to answer any questions about this project, or visit JEA.com to learn about our other water sustainability efforts.
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