Overview

Our river is our lifeblood. Besides, Jacksonville has no option but to prioritize the river's health and wellbeing. By law, responsibility for clean waterways rests on local communities. Federal mandates are already in place that force us to fund a solution to stormwater runoff. Although we have spent $300 million in the last 25 years, and under Mayor Peyton, have committed another $150 million, we have much more to do. To create an effective stormwater management program will actually cost the city close to $1.5 billion.

At a time when property tax rollbacks mean less money in the city budget, stormwater runoff management must be addressed separately. In more than 130 Florida communities and more than 500 cities nationwide, the funding solution is stormwater fees. Beginning July 1, 2008, stormwater fees will also be initiated in Jacksonville. Every effort has been made to spread the responsibility, without causing an unfair hardship to anyone.

To estimate your stormwater fee, go to Calculator.

Our Situation

North Florida's subtropical climate averages nearly 50 inches of rain each year. While abundant rainfall is a blessing, it also poses a problem. The technical name for this problem is stormwater runoff, the action of rainfall mixed with pollutants, especially fertilizers, flowing into our river system.

Because stormwater runoff pollutants originate mostly from developed land-- homes, businesses, churches, shopping centers, schools, and offices--growth comes at a price. Today, stormwater runoff is the City of Jacksonville's major source of water pollution. Runoff carries particles and litter that clog waterways, nutrients that cause algae blooms, heavy metals that disrupt the reproduction of fish and shellfish, and coliform bacteria that make some of the city's streams too dangerous for contact.

All structures play a role in creating this type of pollution. Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, parking lots, patios, and other impervious, non-draining surfaces must go somewhere. Instead of being absorbed by plants or draining into the ground where it can be cleaned and recharged, it becomes runoff. Its ultimate destination is the St. Johns River.

The goal of stormwater management is to direct runoff to drainage sites where it can be recharged before it enters the river. Runoff must be conveyed, transported, stored, and treated before it is ultimately discharged to the river. It is an expensive proposition, but an absolutely essential step for Jacksonville.