RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The James River Association released their annual State of The James Report saying the river’s conditions have improved dramatically since the 1970s. 

According to a release the JRA gave the river a grade B after using data from partners across the watershed, it examines the status and trends of eighteen indicators. 

This grade system estimates the river health 50 years ago would have likely been a D minus due to the high levels of raw sewage and untreated industrial waste.

“Waste water agriculture and storm water are the primary source of pollution that effects the water quality,” President and CEO of JRA Bill Street said.

Street also said the progress in the river’s improvement has slowed due to climate change, yet they are confident of eventually bringing the river to a grade A status.