St. Johns County Launches $191.8 Million Water Reclamation Facility

The facility, situated west of Interstate 95 at 3055 SR 207, began operations on May 11, 2026. Initially capable of treating 3.25 million gallons per day, the site is engineered to scale up to 6.5 million gallons as the local population grows. Beyond the main plant, the massive undertaking included the construction of the Watson Road Master Wastewater Pump Station, the Tillman Ridge Reclaimed Water Booster Pump Station, and 15 miles of pipeline to integrate the new assets into the county’s existing utility network.

Funding for the project was sourced entirely through utility revenues rather than property taxes. By prioritizing the reuse of treated wastewater for golf courses and residential landscapes, the county aims to alleviate pressure on the Floridan Aquifer, the primary drinking water source for Northeast Florida. According to Alan Flood, Senior Engineer for the St. Johns County Utility Department, the investment is designed to protect natural resources while meeting long-term infrastructure demands. Over the next two decades, the project is projected to prevent over one million pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus from entering the Matanzas River, aiding local water quality and wildlife habitats. The facility was delivered via a design-build contract with Jacobs and ensures county compliance with State Senate Bill 64 regarding wastewater reuse.