Stormwater/Drainage

The Right of Way and Grounds Maintenance (RWGM) division is responsible for maintaining over 5,000 miles of ditches across Duval County, in addition to countless stormwater ponds, curbs, inlets, culverts and other stormwater facilities.

Stormwater maintenance is funded by the stormwater fee under the auspice of the Jacksonville Stormwater Utility. 

Click here to view capital drainage improvement projects currently in design/construction.

If you have questions about drainage maintenance, improvement projects or the stormwater fee, please call 630-CITY (2489) or e-mail the Jacksonville Stormwater Utility.

Ditches
RWGM is able to maintain roughly 200 miles of ditches every year. While some major outfalls get checked routinely, particularly during hurricane season, most other ditches are addressed in response to issues reported to 630-CITY customer service office.

To report a problem with your ditch, please call 630-CITY (2489) or visit 630-CITY online.

Ponds
Ponds are crucial in keeping Jacksonville's neighborhoods dry and sediment and contaminates from entering Jacksonville's rivers and tributaries.

There are generally two types of stormwater ponds that serve to control stormwater (rain):

Detention (wet) ponds - A detention, or wet, pond is a pool' of water into which rain (stormwater) is directed, held and eventually discharged into the local drainage systems. These ponds provide stormwater treatment, where contaminates are allowed to settle to the ground so the water that enters the drainage system is cleaner than when it entered the pond.

Retention (dry) ponds - Conversely, a retention or dry pond does not permanently contain water nor is the water discharged into a greater drainage system - it remains in the pond until it either evaporates or is absorbed into the ground. They do provide some stormwater treatment.

Jacksonville has come a long way in its management of stormwater. State and local regulations require that new large-scale residential and business developements include retention ponds to treat the stormwater that the development receives.

Likewise, most new road and road widening projects require ponds. The ponds control the flow of water while improving the water's quality before it is released back into the city's tributaries and ultimately, the St. Johns River.

Curbs and gutters, inlets
Some of Jacksonville's neighborhoods were designed with curb and gutter. In terms of functionality, curb and gutter is not necessarily any better or worse than ditches.

The RWGM division is responsible for maintaining existing curbs and gutters to ensure they remain in good working condition. Curbs will not be replaced for cosmetic deficiencies.

The city does have a special assessment program for residents interested in having curb and gutter installed where none currently exists. It requires that the abutting property owners contribute to the cost of construction.

To report a problem with your curb, gutter or inlet, or for information about the curb & gutter assessment program, please call 630-CITY (2489) or visit 630-CITY online.