Jacksonville testing pools across the city after backflow problem

Jacksonville city utility crews say they're testing pools across the city after a backflow prevention device at one apartment complex failed allowing pool water to flow into the drinking water.

A resident at Arlington West Apartments reported a salty taste coming from the water.

That led to the discovery of the backflow problem and a boil water advisory, which has since been lifted.

Pete Deaver, the Utilities Services superintendent for Jacksonville says, "We took corrective actions. We shut down the pool, we replaced that particular backflow device, again we took more samples and then we started flushing all of the lines and the maintenance people are flushing their building and we will probably sample again one more time."

In addition to testing other pools, officials say they're retesting about 50 locations throughout the complex.

Deaver says Arlington West tenants should not be alarmed because their water is safe.

He also says it is free for residents of Jacksonville to request water testing, so if anyone feels like there may be an issue, they urge you to give them a call.

The pool at Arlington West Apartments is set to reopen within the next few days.