One major finding in the report is 60 tributaries of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville do not meet state water quality standards because of fecal contamination.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Now is your chance to get involved in helping save the First Coast’s waterways.
The St. Johns Riverkeeper is starting a series to educate residents following the results of the newest state of the river report. One major finding from it, is that 60 tributaries of the St. Johns River in Duval County do not meet state water quality standards because of fecal contamination.
“You have failing septic tanks in the area,” said St. Johns Riverkeeper Lisa Rinaman. “Fortunately, the city is investing in phasing those septic tanks out. But, you also have old sewage pipes so, old pipes that may be leaking. Old lift stations, it may be private lift stations that could be failing. And then you even have the problem with wildlife.”
Right now, the city of Jacksonville and JEA are phasing out the city’s more than 60,000 septic tanks. The cost is expected to be around $2 billion.
Phase-out projects are underway right now in three neighborhoods. One of those projects is complete and a fourth project could be next, according to JEA. At least 70 percent of people in the neighborhood must be on board.
Getting people involved in projects like this to help local waterways is what Rinaman says must come next.
“I think the most important thing is we can change the trajectory,” Rinaman said. “We can save the St. Johns [River]. We can work together to save our tributaries.”
You can search a tributary near you to see what its contamination levels are here.
The St. Johns Riverkeeper wants residents to email them about what topics you want to learn about in their series. Check for where and when the series will be held here.
