Answers to your questions:
Who regulates the Jefferson Communities Water System (JCWS)?
The water system is regulated by four agencies. The Department of Environmental Protection regulates the water quality; the Northwest Florida Water Management District and Suwannee River Water Management District regulate the amount of water pumped from the ground; and the U. S Department of Agriculture/Rural Development oversees our financial situation.
Who elects the Board of Directors and how often does the Board meet?
The Board of Directors is elected by the membership at the annual meeting, usually held every January. The Board meets on the second Thursday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). A Special Board meeting can be called if there is an unusual circumstance or emergency to be dealt with. Board meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the overhead tank site at 395 Water Mill Road.
What are your current rates?
Our current charge for residential customers is $2.85 per thousand gallons of water plus a facility fee of $38.50 per month.
How do I become a JCWS customer?
Visit our Member Service Office at 8710 Old Lloyd Road in Lloyd, Florida, during our office hours (Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00). If there is an existing service at the location, JCWS requires a refundable deposit of $100 and a non-refundable connection fee of $25.
If there is no service at the property, we will be glad to give you an estimate for installing a tap into the main and setting a meter and service.
What pay methods do you accept?
Check, cash, money order, debit card or credit card (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard). There is no charge for using a debit card or credit card.
Is JCWS water fluoridated?
No
How do I report a water main leak or break?
Please call (850) 997-0314 during office hours (Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00). When the office is closed, please call (850) 251-4206 or (850) 251-9531.
How often is JCWS water tested?
The Department of Environmental Protection requires regular testing for number of pollutants, impurities, and chemicals and the JCWS complies with these requirements. These range from monthly testing for bacteria to bi-annual testing for lead and copper. The samples are carefully collected and taken to an independent laboratory for analysis.
How do I challenge the amount of water I’m being billed for?
If your water usage is unusually high, it is possible that you have a leak in your home. Read your meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not show exactly the same readings, there is a leak.
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the tank is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. (Flush as soon as test is done since food coloring may stain tank.)
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you might waste 2,700 gallons per year.
If you are sure that you don’t have leak in your home, please call our office at 997-0314 and request that our water operator check your meter.
When is my water bill due?
Water bills are sent out on the last day of the month for the previous month’s water usage. The residential rate is $2.85 per thousand gallons. Payment is due by the 15th of the month; after which a late fee of 10 percent is assessed. If payment is not received by the 15th of the following month, the customer is subject to being cut off. Once cut off, the customer must pay the amount due, plus a $50 reconnect fee.
What does it mean when a boil water notice is issued?
When there is a loss in water pressure, either due to a broken water pipe or a scheduled outage for repairs, a Precautionary Boil Water Notice (PBWN) will be issued. If this happens in your area, an orange door hanger with instructions, will be hung on your front door. Water pressure keeps unhealthy pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, contaminants can seep into the pipes. This might allow pathogens (disease-causing germs) into the water that can cause illness if one drinks it or prepares food or beverages with it. So, as a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water before drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, or making ice.
After the water system is repaired and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the PBWN will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after tests prove the water is safe to drink. The rescind notice will be delivered by way of a green door hanger which will be placed on your front door.
The water system is regulated by four agencies. The Department of Environmental Protection regulates the water quality; the Northwest Florida Water Management District and Suwannee River Water Management District regulate the amount of water pumped from the ground; and the U. S Department of Agriculture/Rural Development oversees our financial situation.
Who elects the Board of Directors and how often does the Board meet?
The Board of Directors is elected by the membership at the annual meeting, usually held every January. The Board meets on the second Thursday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November). A Special Board meeting can be called if there is an unusual circumstance or emergency to be dealt with. Board meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the overhead tank site at 395 Water Mill Road.
What are your current rates?
Our current charge for residential customers is $2.85 per thousand gallons of water plus a facility fee of $38.50 per month.
How do I become a JCWS customer?
Visit our Member Service Office at 8710 Old Lloyd Road in Lloyd, Florida, during our office hours (Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00). If there is an existing service at the location, JCWS requires a refundable deposit of $100 and a non-refundable connection fee of $25.
If there is no service at the property, we will be glad to give you an estimate for installing a tap into the main and setting a meter and service.
What pay methods do you accept?
Check, cash, money order, debit card or credit card (Visa, Discover, and MasterCard). There is no charge for using a debit card or credit card.
Is JCWS water fluoridated?
No
How do I report a water main leak or break?
Please call (850) 997-0314 during office hours (Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00). When the office is closed, please call (850) 251-4206 or (850) 251-9531.
How often is JCWS water tested?
The Department of Environmental Protection requires regular testing for number of pollutants, impurities, and chemicals and the JCWS complies with these requirements. These range from monthly testing for bacteria to bi-annual testing for lead and copper. The samples are carefully collected and taken to an independent laboratory for analysis.
How do I challenge the amount of water I’m being billed for?
If your water usage is unusually high, it is possible that you have a leak in your home. Read your meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not show exactly the same readings, there is a leak.
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the tank is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. (Flush as soon as test is done since food coloring may stain tank.)
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you might waste 2,700 gallons per year.
If you are sure that you don’t have leak in your home, please call our office at 997-0314 and request that our water operator check your meter.
When is my water bill due?
Water bills are sent out on the last day of the month for the previous month’s water usage. The residential rate is $2.85 per thousand gallons. Payment is due by the 15th of the month; after which a late fee of 10 percent is assessed. If payment is not received by the 15th of the following month, the customer is subject to being cut off. Once cut off, the customer must pay the amount due, plus a $50 reconnect fee.
What does it mean when a boil water notice is issued?
When there is a loss in water pressure, either due to a broken water pipe or a scheduled outage for repairs, a Precautionary Boil Water Notice (PBWN) will be issued. If this happens in your area, an orange door hanger with instructions, will be hung on your front door. Water pressure keeps unhealthy pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to your house or business. When the pressure is lost, contaminants can seep into the pipes. This might allow pathogens (disease-causing germs) into the water that can cause illness if one drinks it or prepares food or beverages with it. So, as a precaution, it is important to disinfect tap water before drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, or making ice.
After the water system is repaired and the pressure is restored in the pipes to your home or business, the PBWN will remain in effect for one to several days while bacteria tests are conducted to assure the safety of the water. The notice will be lifted (rescinded) only after tests prove the water is safe to drink. The rescind notice will be delivered by way of a green door hanger which will be placed on your front door.
