After years of struggling, Larsen neighborhood finally getting quality water

Friday, July 25, 10:40 AM EDT

By David Chapman, Staff Writer

The Larsen Neighborhood Association president has been seeking assistance from city leaders to bring clean, reliable water to her Southside neighborhood.

Some of the more than 300 households, those along the main streets at least, are OK. In the late 1980s, water pipes were installed that allowed connections to city water and sewer.

For close to 100 others, the wells they relied on had become contaminated or dry, leaving residents looking for alternatives. More wells werent really an option because of septic-tank distance requirements.

Bridgeman said the neighborhood residents are low-income and elderly who dont have the thousands of dollars needed to pay for the lines. For years, theyve struggled for options.

Its been a necessity needed for a long time, said Bridgeman of the neighborhoods water problems. It is getting to be an urgent need.

Past administrations and council members, she said, offered a glimmer of hope for good water. That came despite pushback from the city and JEA over the years, as neither said it was their role to pay for the lines.

Out of options, Bridgman said she turned to prayer and doors just started opening up.

One of the people who answered was City Council member Lori Boyer.

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After years of struggling, Larsen neighborhood finally getting quality water