Jacksonville and JEA mark new milestone as septic tank phaseout expands to Riverview, Christobel areas

A long-running sewer conversion effort reaches a new benchmark

Jacksonville officials and JEA have marked a new milestone in the city’s Septic Tank Phase Out program, an initiative intended to reduce pollution from failing septic systems in neighborhoods close to waterways. The milestone centers on completed work in two neighborhoods and the transition of additional areas into planning and construction stages.

City leaders say two major sewer conversion projects—Biltmore and Beverly Hills—have been completed, connecting more than 1,000 parcels to city sewer service. Those projects are part of a broader program approved by the Jacksonville City Council on Aug. 23, 2016, that targets designated neighborhoods for new water and sewer infrastructure and the abandonment of existing septic systems.

What is changing in Riverview and Christobel

Two additional neighborhoods are now positioned as the next major phases of the program. Riverview is in the planning phase and is expected to be the largest effort yet, with officials estimating more than 2,400 parcels will ultimately be connected to sewer service. Design work is expected to begin as early as spring 2026.

In Christobel, JEA officials have said the neighborhood is moving into the construction phase in spring 2026. The Christobel project is expected to connect more than 500 homes to city sewer service. Project outreach materials describe the work as including installation of sewer pipes, proper abandonment of existing septic systems, connections to the new sewer system, and payment of associated permits and fees at no cost to participating property owners.

• Biltmore: project completed, with an anticipated project window listed as Dec. 2, 2019 through Dec. 31, 2022.
• Beverly Hills (East): anticipated project window listed as Nov. 21, 2022 through Nov. 30, 2024.
• Christobel: shifting to construction in spring 2026, with more than 500 homes expected to connect.
• Riverview: planning underway; more than 2,400 parcels projected for future sewer connections; design may begin in spring 2026.

How the program is funded and how participation works

The city has described the initiative as funded through a combination of local, state and utility-based sources. In the city’s proposed FY 2025–2026 budget highlights, Jacksonville listed $9.2 million for septic tank removal.

For some project areas, JEA outreach materials also describe a neighborhood consent threshold for moving forward: in Riverview, the city requires consent from at least 70% of legal property owners identified within the project limits.

Officials involved with the program have framed the work as a water-quality measure, citing concerns including bacteria and fecal coliform in impaired waterways and the role of failing septic systems during heavy rain events.

Related efforts: business-focused septic grants and household assistance

Separately from neighborhood-scale sewer conversions, Jacksonville operates a septic grant program for certain commercially zoned properties within a defined Northwest Jacksonville target area, designed to support repairs, removal, and in some cases connection to sewer service when septic systems are failing. The city also promotes a Utility Tap-In Program that offers deferred-payment loans to eligible residents to help with connection fees and related plumbing costs.

Officials say future phases will continue to be prioritized and reviewed, reflecting shifting needs and available funding as Jacksonville expands sewer service into neighborhoods that have historically relied on septic systems.