The proposed study of septic tanks in Jacksonville is causing controversy as some question the need for another costly investigation. City Council legislation is requesting $200,000 to fund a study by the University of Florida Center for Coastal Solutions. The study would assess the vulnerability of septic systems throughout the county and prioritize their conversion to sewer. The goal is to prevent sewage backups and meet water quality standards. Previous efforts have been made to phase out septic systems, but this study would provide a comprehensive countywide assessment.

Jacksonville is moving ahead with plans to fix a broken promise by putting people on city sewers instead of septic tanks. It could end up costing billions – over years - using both federal and local tax dollars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. City leaders on Monday afternoon were given an update about the massive project undertaken by JEA to phase out septic tanks around Jacksonville. City Councilman Ron Salem called in a JEA representative to the City Councils Transportation, Energy and Utilities Committee meeting Monday. Salem said the overall project to replace 65,000 septic tanks around the city could cost approximately $2 billion. But you have to start somewhere.But in the more immediate future, the focus is on three Northwest Jacksonville neighborhoods that are at the top of the list to have their septic tanks phased out. The JEA representative who spoke during Mondays meeting said it will cost tens of thousands of dollars on average per home to phase them out of septic tanks.