The residents of Christobel, a neighborhood in Northwest Jacksonville, have been waiting for decades to connect their homes to the city’s sewer system. For Loretta Barfield and William Batts, who have been neighbors for nearly 50 years, this wait is finally over. The Christobel Septic Tank Phase Out Project has begun, marking a significant milestone for the community.

The project, funded by the City of Jacksonville and a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to replace and remove more than 300 septic tanks in the neighborhood. This initiative will connect homes to JEA’s wastewater system, ensuring better sanitation and environmental protection. The work, which started in March, is expected to be completed by 2028.

The environmental impact of the Christobel project

The Christobel neighborhood’s proximity to the St. Johns River makes this project particularly crucial. Kevin McOmber, a regional administrator with the EPA, highlighted the environmental benefits during a celebration event at Peace Missionary Baptist Church on June 18. “With this investment, the project will retire over 300 failing septic systems and provide sewer connections with nearly 500 parcels in the neighborhood,” McOmber said. “That means fewer pollutants reaching the St. Johns River, improving water quality, protecting wildlife, and making it safer for families to enjoy the river that defines this region.”

A study conducted by Jacksonville University Associate Professor Ashley Johnson in 2026 revealed that nearly 2,900 septic tanks in the Trout River watershed, which includes Christobel, contributed to more than half of tested water exceeding fecal coliform standards. The report recommended accelerating septic-to-sewer conversion and additional water monitoring, underscoring the urgency of the Christobel project.

Community advocacy and political collaboration

For residents like Barfield and Batts, the connection to JEA’s wastewater system cannot come soon enough. “That’s just not fair because we pay the same taxes,” Batts said. “I think they should have treated us better, seeing that they had the money.” The community’s advocacy played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. When the Moncrief Springs Improvement Association was revived in 2026, its members pressed City Hall for answers about the inequity.

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford who fondly recalled serving as an officer in Northwest Jacksonville in the 1970s, praised the collaboration between his office, the Deegan administration, the EPA, and congressional colleagues. “I think the hardest part is always getting the right players together,” Rutherford said. “We were able to accomplish that with (former Rep.) Al (Lawson).” The project secured $6.7 million in federal funds, demonstrating the power of community advocacy and political collaboration.

Barfield, who has lived in Christobel for the last 50 years, emphasized the community’s involvement in the project. “We did a whole lot,” Barfield said. “We took flyers, knocked on every door, and talked to everybody we could. The community is involved.” Yvonne Ward, another member of the Moncrief Springs Improvement Association, echoed these sentiments. “We’re looking forward to everybody in this neighborhood to get off of septic tanks,” Ward said. “We want to be treated decently.”

The road ahead for Christobel

The Christobel Septic Tank Phase Out Project is a significant step forward for the neighborhood. However, the work is far from done. The city of Jacksonville invested $10 million for septic tank removal during the current fiscal year, and Mayor Donna Deegan plans to propose a higher number in her budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This ongoing commitment reflects the city’s dedication to improving infrastructure and quality of life for all residents.

As the project progresses, residents like Barfield and Batts can finally look forward to a future without the burdens of septic tank maintenance. The Christobel Septic Tank Phase Out Project is not just about improving sanitation; it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring that every family in Jacksonville has access to safe, reliable services that contribute to a healthy and thriving community.