St. Johns State of the River Report showing multiple red flags for water quality

There's currently major concern over the future of the St. Johns River, after the release of the 2019 State of the St. Johns River Report.

The biggest red flag is an increase in pollution.

"Up until 2017, it was decreasing and so all the sudden there's a significant spike that needs to be paid attention to," St. Johns Riverkeeper, Lisa Rinaman, told Action News Jax.

She adds that it's been 90+ days of blue-green algae on the river.

A statement released by the St. Johns Riverkeepers lists the key findings from the 2019 report:

• Total nitrogen and phosphorus levels remain unsatisfactory, exceeding state water quality standards.  An abrupt uptick in Phosphorous occurred in 2018.
• Metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, silver, and mercury show elevated levels and a unique pattern from 2016-2018, previously a downward trend.
• Sea level rise is increasing groundwater levels. This reduces the capacity of the ground to hold and store nutrients and rainfall, resulting in more runoff, leaching and pollution.
• Saltwater intrusion is damaging wetlands and submerged vegetation that are critical to the river's health.
• Wetland losses continue, due to increased land development.
• Submerged vegetation destabilized by drought and back-to-back hurricanes has seen limited recovery.

"We could make a big difference if we reduce or stop using fertilizer on our yard." Rinaman suggested. "You could plant native plants that love our natural environment"

Rinaman adds that people should check to see what areas of the St. Johns River are at the greatest risk for pollution and where to avoid swimming, boating or fishing here.

Link to 2019 report here. 
Link to 2018 report here.

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