SJC Utilities 2025 Annual Report
The St. Johns County Utilities Department has published its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the department’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, reliable service delivery, environmental stewardship, and long-term infrastructure planning in support of the County’s Strategic Plan.
The report outlines how the Utilities Department provides safe and dependable drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services that protect public health, support economic vitality, and preserve natural resources for current and future residents.
“Our focus is on delivering high-quality utility services while being responsible stewards of public resources,” said Neal Shinkre, Director of the St. Johns County Utilities Department. “This report reflects the work our team does every day to maintain affordable rates, invest in critical infrastructure, and provide the reliable service our community depends on.”
In 2025, the department continued major capital improvement investments to expand system capacity, replace aging infrastructure, and improve operational efficiency. Key projects include improvements to the Hastings Water Treatment Plant, expansion of the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility, multiple wellfield expansion projects, and wastewater process upgrades on State Road 16. These projects are part of the County’s long-range Capital Improvement Plan, which prioritizes infrastructure needs over a 20-year horizon.
The report also highlights the department’s strong financial position. The average monthly residential utility bill remains approximately 10 percent below the regional average, demonstrating a commitment to predictable and affordable rates while maintaining high service standards.
Customer service enhancements continued in 2025 through advanced metering infrastructure that allows customers to track hourly water use, receive alerts, and better manage their utility consumption through online and mobile tools.
Water conservation remained a key priority. Through targeted community outreach, data-driven irrigation education, and the continued expansion of reclaimed water, the County reduced demand on drinking water supplies and helped protect local waterways. Construction of the State Road 207 Water Reclamation Facility will further increase reclaimed water availability for irrigation and is expected to prevent more than one million pounds of nutrients from entering the Matanzas River over the next 20 years.
The Utilities Department also expanded service to new areas, including the North Beach system, ensuring consistent service levels, regulatory compliance, and long-term reliability for additional customers.
About the St. Johns County Utilities Department
The St. Johns County Utilities Department is an enterprise fund that provides drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to residential and commercial customers throughout portions of St. Johns County. The department is committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective services while protecting the environment and supporting the community’s quality of life.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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