JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — JEA, Jacksonville’s community-owned utility, has taken another step in the process to turn wastewater into drinking water.

The utility plans to build a water purification testing facility on Jacksonville’s Southside, in the Deerwood area.

Nearly a million people currently live in Jacksonville, a number that is only expected to increase, and in order to have enough water to go around, highly-treated wastewater may be the solution.

According to JEA, “As Northeast Florida’s economy and population continue to grow, the aquifer will eventually reach its permitted withdrawal limit. Being fully aware of this, JEA over the years has implemented several conservation efforts and excellent reclaimed water systems, which will continue to be a part of the solution. However, these efforts are not enough.”

At 10776 Burnt Mill Road, just off JTB and Southside Boulevard, there is a piece of land that looks like a dirt field from our Action News Jax Sky Vision Drone; but that nearly 12-acre area is where JEA would like to build a water purification testing facility.