Biltmore C Septic Tank Phaseout Project
Estimated Dates & Work Schedule
Anticipated End Date: 2022-12-31
Project Objective
The City of Jacksonville, working in partnership with JEA, recently completed a project to eliminate existing septic tank systems while also providing water lines in the Biltmore neighborhood. The intent of this program is to improve the quality of life in the Biltmore area and to reduce the amount of harmful nutrients that often find their way into the St. Johns River and other local waterways.
The program, jointly funded by the City of Jacksonville and JEA, involved the full installation of water and sewer pipes, proper abandonment of existing septic system(s), connection to the new water and sewer systems and payment of all associated permits and fees at no cost to the property owner. Once connected to the new water and sewer system, the JEA account holder is responsible for the monthly water and sewer bill based on the consumption for their individual home or business.
Property owners may choose to keep their existing water well for outside use. If choosing to keep the well for outside irrigation purposes, a backflow prevention device is installed and will require inspection every 2-years by a licensed plumber. This inspection is the responsibility of the property owner.
JEA managed the construction of the project and operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems once they were installed.
Property Owner Participation & Requirements
Eligible property owners must complete a Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) allowing JEA and our contractor to perform work on private property to abandon the septic tank(s) and connect the home or business to the new JEA water and sewer lines. View Example Documents Participating Property Owners Will Complete (PDF)
For the project to move forward, the City of Jacksonville required the consent of at least 70% of the legal property owners identified within the project limits. The 70% threshold was met for the Biltmore community on July 27, 2017.
Overall Project Area Map
Construction Update and Project Phases
Crews began working in December 2019 with a “soft start” that involved taking pre-construction videos of the project area (including private property), survey and mobilizing equipment. Major construction activities began on January 2, 2020 to avoid work during the holiday months. The construction was completed in phases. See the map below for details on each phase.
Project Update- February 2023
Although this project is substantially complete, property owners that have not yet completed the necessary documents to participate in the program still have a limited time to participate.
Participation in this program is not mandatory. However, property owners that do not participate in the program will be responsible for any future connection costs should the septic system fail, and a $21.15 monthly charge for sewer system availability will be assessed.
Please contact JEA’s Project Outreach team at (904) 665-7500 if you are interested in participating in this program.
Note: Only one water/sewer connection per parcel is included in this project (parcels are identified with a unique Real Estate number assigned by the Duval County Property Appraiser). Unimproved properties (properties with their own individual Real Estate number and without a structure at time of project construction) or without a septic tank will have a water and sewer service (stub out) installed in the right-of-way for future connection at the property owner’s expense.
Free Resources for Customers
JEA has many free resources to help customers conserve on electric and water usage to help our customers lower energy costs. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of the many FREE cost saving programs offered by JEA, such as the weatherization and in-home Energy Assessment audits.
For more information, contact JEA Project Outreach at (904) 665-7500 or projectoutreach@jea.com.
Learn more about Ways to Save.
Public Town Meetings
The City of Jacksonville and JEA hosted a pre-construction kick-off meeting to discuss plans for this project. This meeting provided the neighborhood with the opportunity to learn more about the project and what can be expected during construction. There was a brief presentation followed by a question/answer and public comment period.
The meeting was be held at the James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School Cafetorium located at 3276 Norman E. Thagard Boulevard on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Download the Pre-Construction Kick Off Meeting Presentation (PDF)
Invitations were mailed via U.S.P.S. to property owners and tenants. Additionally, emails were sent to JEA account holders with a valid email address.
Previous Town Meetings
Property owners were invited to attend two prior town meetings on January 26, 2017 and February 16, 2017, both at James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle School located at 3276 Norman E Thagard Boulevard. View the information presented at those meetings below:
Download the Project Introductory Meeting Presentation (PPT)
Progress Photos
