The River Accord: A Partnership for the St. Johns

NEW (Sept. 27, 2011) River Accord Annual Report 2011 (PDF 1.9MB)

The St. Johns River defines Jacksonville's history, our culture, our economy, our character, and ultimately, our future.

However, today the river faces significant challenges. Our residents have already witnessed a harmful algal bloom that choked segments of the river, requiring the state health department to issue warnings that the river was unhealthy for humans.

Meanwhile, more than 54 of Duval County's 152 river tributaries have bacteria levels so elevated that they are deemed unsafe for fishing and swimming.

That's why in August 2006, Mayor John Peyton, along with partners who are investing in the river's future health, announced The River Accord, a 10-year, $700 million program to begin restoring the health of the Lower St. Johns River Basin.

The City of Jacksonville, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the JEA, the Water Sewer Expansion Authority (WSEA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are members of the Accord. Together, these partners will commit $700 million to reduce the amount of nitrogen discharged into the river by:

• closing wastewater treatment plants
• improving other wastewater treatment plants and building pipelines necessary to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation of lawns, parks, and golf courses
• eliminating failing septic tanks; and
• capturing and treating stormwater before it enters the river.

JEA will contribute $200 million toward the Accord; the SJRWMD, up to $150 million; the city, $150 million; and the remaining $200 million will be sought from various federal and state sources. Their investments will be the largest in the Lower St. Johns River Basin's history.

To report an issue affecting the health of the St. Johns River, click here or call 630-CITY (904-630-2489).