City of Jacksonville

The Ambient Water Quality Section (AWS) serves as the primary environmental agency collecting surface water quality data throughout Duval County. AWS coordinates closely with all monitoring agencies working in the region to ensure comprehensive oversight.

All collected data is regularly shared with state, regional, and local agencies responsible for regulating activities that might affect surface water quality. This information is accessible to the public upon request. AWS also takes the lead in responding to citizen concerns and investigating fish kills in state waters within Duval County.

Under the current Special Operating Agreement, the Water Quality Branch (WQB) handles permit applications for wastewater collection system development and operations of treatment facilities discharging to ground waters. All sanitary gravity sewers or pressure mains in Duval County require construction permits.

Since implementing Environmental Protection Board (EPB) Rule 3 to phase out smaller, less efficient package sewage treatment plants by connecting to larger regional facilities, 352 wastewater treatment facility discharges have been eliminated. This reduced the total inventory from 393 facilities in 1986 to just 41 as of January 2004, including 22 regional facilities.

The removal of these non-regional treatment plants represents a significant reduction in pollutant loading on receiving basins, ponds, creeks, and groundwater. Their positive environmental impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

The WQB regularly inspects sanitary lift stations for which it issues construction permits. Due to low elevations throughout Duval County, sewage often cannot flow through sanitary sewer systems by gravity alone. Many systems require lift stations, all of which must have certified operator attendance at least monthly to ensure compliance with local regulations.

How can I reduce water usage in my home?

Water Usage Facts:

• An average person uses 69 gallons of water daily
• A household of 4 uses approximately 276 gallons per day
• Toilet flushing accounts for over 25% of household water usage
• Clothes washing represents about 20% of home water consumption

Checking for Water Leaks:

A sudden increase in your water bill often indicates a leak. To investigate:

1. Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures
2. Locate your water meter box (typically in the front yard near property line)
3. Check for a leak indicator (small triangle dial in meter sight glass)
4. If the indicator is moving, you likely have a leak

Common Leak Sources:

• Toilets (faulty flapper valves)
• Dripping faucets
• Outdoor spigots
• Hot water heater base

Water Conservation Tips:

• Fix leaks promptly (can save up to 200 gallons daily)
• Install low-flow devices (saves approximately 4 gallons per day)
• Don't run water while brushing teeth or washing dishes
• Skip pre-rinsing dishes before dishwasher (saves up to 20 gallons)
• Use "water saver" mode on appliances when available
• Choose high-efficiency washing machines (use 44% less water)
• Take shorter showers (reducing from 8 to 5 minutes saves 39%)
• Use soaker hoses for gardens (reduces usage by 20-50%)