JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — E. coli has been found in a water sample collected from wells on Saints Road in the Sandalwood area near Oakridge Water Treatment Plant, according to JEA.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined the presence of the bacteria could be a health concern. Because of this, residents in the impacted area should boil their water before consuming.
Residents who live in the area on the map below should boil their water. Click here to see high resolution version of the map.
Breakdown of customers impacted by the Boil Water Advisory:
- 16,678 residential
- 2,905 commercial
First Coast News has reached out to several restaurants at Town Center who said the boil water notice may impact operations. Call ahead if you are planning to head to this area.
What does a boil water notice mean for you?
Do not drink your water unless you boil it first. The boiling kills the harmful bacteria.
Bring your water to a boil for at least a minute before letting it cool or use bottled water. The boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dished or preparing food until the notice is lifted.
The bacteria can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems, according to JEA.
The water plant that is impacted has been taken offline. Water lines will be disinfected. JEA will let residents know when the water is safe again. The utility company estimated in a statement that the problem will be resolved in around three days.
General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.