James City Service Authority - Central System Water Company

In 2017, the JCSA expanded their infrastructure with 6 miles of new pipeline, adding 139 potential connections and welcoming 434 new customers. Regular maintenance procedures continue throughout the system to ensure quality service. The Authority received a renewed DEQ Groundwater Withdrawal Permit for the Central Program in February 2017, valid through February 6, 2027, while actively exploring potential water supply alternatives.

Important Health Information: Certain populations may face greater vulnerability to water contaminants than others. This includes immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients undergoing treatment, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders), elderly residents, and infants. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their municipal water consumption. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) offers guidelines for reducing infection risks from microbiological contaminants like cryptosporidium.

Water Source Information: As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves natural minerals and may collect substances from animal presence or human activities. Contaminants in source water can originate from septic systems, wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural operations, urban runoff, residential usage, and numerous other sources. Surface water undergoes treatment to make it potable, while groundwater may or may not require processing.

The Central Water System comprises the Five Forks Water Treatment Facility, seven production facilities throughout the County, two elevated storage facilities, and two booster pump stations. Emergency generators ensure continuous water supply during outages. Each production facility features storage tanks, booster pumps, and distribution systems. Most wells draw from the Potomac Aquifers, with five wells tapping the Upper and Middle Potomac Aquifer at depths of 300-836 feet. The FFWTF draws from Middle and Lower Potomac Aquifers at 800-1200 feet depth. Additional wells access the Chickahominy-Piney Point Aquifer at 250-300 feet. During 2017, the system produced an average of 5.01 million gallons daily, serving 21,933 residential and commercial connections, with current operational capacity approved at 9.973 million gallons per day.

Source Water Assessment: The Virginia Department of Health conducted an assessment in 2001, identifying certain wells as highly susceptible to contamination based on state-approved criteria. The assessment report includes resource maps, known land use activities, potential contamination sources, susceptibility descriptions, and key term definitions. To obtain a copy, contact 757-259-5416. JCSA has requested an updated assessment due to changing conditions and testing requirements.

1. Where does James City Service Authority - Central System water come from?
   James City Service Authority - Central System supplies groundwater to James City, Virginia.
2. Does James City Service Authority - Central System test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, James City Service Authority - Central System must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact James City Service Authority - Central System?
   Call 757-229-7421 or visit 101 Mounts Bay Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does James City Service Authority - Central System water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is James City Service Authority - Central System water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.