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Stormwater
Ensuring, educating and advocating for the health of our local waterways is a key concern for the City of Jacksonville Stormwater division. Local waterways include Wilson Bay, the New River and estuaries found in and around Jacksonville. It is often that you will see the City’s Stormwater Manager and Water Quality technicians on Wilson Bay or New River taking water samples, measuring and cataloging marine life as well as naturally treating invasive plants species or building artificial reefs. These are just a few items on the ’to do’ in working for healthy, thriving waterways.
Illicit discharges that cause pollution on residential and commercial levels is also an important part of what Jacksonville’s Stormwater Division works to prevent. City code has clear definitions of what is and is not allowed to flow safely through our storm drains, in our waterways and on land. How you dispose of your chemicals, oils, paints and other toxic materials is also clearly defined and if improperly disposed of, considered an illicit discharge.
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and streets, prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground. Unless properly managed, increased stormwater runoff can create flooding, erosion, and water quality problems. Water quality problems can include:
- Polluted water supplies
- Loss of native vegetation or habitat
- Loss of aquatic species of fish and other wildlife
- Loss of safe recreational areas
Prevention at Home
As property development increases, the amount of rainwater soaking into the ground is reduced, creating more stormwater runoff entering the City’s drainage lines. The City works hard to prevent stormwater flooding and pollution, and is actively addressing problems in community areas. Citizens can help right at home to prevent stormwater pollution and flooding.
Initiatives on the water
The Oyster Highway Project is happening on our own New River. Oyster reefs using more than 4.6 million live oysters are growing new life, attracting more fish and other marine creatures, and opening the door for more recreational use in our area. Oyster High Project. This project, funded by the community and through grants is helping to ensure the future health of our waterways.
Alligator Weed Management is an annual task for Stormwater Management staff. see the video and learn more about techniques used to mitigate growth of this invasive species.
Clean and Green Efforts You can Participate in
The City of Jacksonville Adopt-A-Program is a City effort and an organized way to help clean up your local community. Learn more about how you can Adopt-A-Stream in your neighborhood or local area.
The City’s History and Partnership with Sturgeon City
Stormwater educational materials are available for all ages. Sturgeon City and Sturgeon City Institutes offers students opportunities for learning about stormwater pollution prevention as well as marine biology and environmental conservation. learn more
NPDES Stormwater Program
Jacksonville’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Program was developed to protect our watershed and improve the nation’s water resources from polluted stormwater runoff and in response to the city’s Phase II stormwater permit. Jacksonville Watershed Map is shown on the right (click on image for larger view)
Stormwater City Ordinances & Code
Visit the City of Jacksonville's Municode library for a complete list of City ordinances and code regarding storm water.