Now, we are seeing tangible results. The study, still awaiting the final bureaucratic stamp of approval, shows that the major health threat is not toxic dumping but an overabundance of nutrients, primarily from point sources, which means areas where effluent is deposited directly into the river rather than rainwater runoff or other indirect entry to the waterway. These point sources, for the most part, are public and private facilities acting legally and complying with environmental standards. But the sheer number of them and volume of effluent is taxing the river's ability to efficiently process the waste. The mechanism is not widely understood.
Many people see the darkness of the water as an indication of poor quality.
In reality, it is the natural color of the water and the dark color actually protects quality by minimizing algae blooms that are caused by nutrients and sunshine. Various remedies are going into effect. Drainage improvements, waste treatment facility upgrading, and better storm water treatment and disposal are occurring. The concept of massive re-use of waste water already is becoming reality in Clay County and soon in Jacksonville. Further study is needed to determine the breakpoint when the law of diminishing returns might kick in.