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Development

Over-development puts pressure on water systems.

Growth & Tourism

In the past, the Snake River watershed could dilute the pollution from Teton County’s small population. Now, Teton County’s rapid growth and record tourism is having a profound impact on water quality.

Teton County’s population growth is poised to continue, and the visitor peaks increase pressure on our drinking water and wastewater systems.

Over-Pressured Water Systems

Over-development for current systems results in declining drinking water quality, and limited water available for everyday use, more impaired streams, and negative impacts on aquatic habitats and the connected environment.

Upgrading our infrastructure will improve water quality.

Teton County needs to mitigate human impacts for the best drinking water quality and wastewater management. With the level of current federal funding available for water and wastewater infrastructure, the time is now to focus on reducing as much nutrient discharge as possible into our surface waters by upgrading aging systems.

Solution: Sewer Connections

Converting more septic systems to sewer line connections across the county should become a priority, as our water resources continue to suffer from septic system pollution.

In the News: How local development is impacting water quality.

Let’s not poison ourselves for Mogul investors

  • June 12, 2024
  • JH News & Guide

Guest shot piece written by Fred Becker. [Becker is] opposed to the proposed Mogul Capital hotel and condo project on North Cache. At present the groundwater chemistry of the proposed...

Jackson lawns guzzled more water than ever before this July

  • August 31, 2022
  • JH News & Guide

Officials: People are the problem, but more infrastructure could help. As West Jackson became more and more developed, the town of Jackson’s water utility manager, John Ryan, knew it was...

Development In A Wealthy Boom Town Is Fouling A World-Class Trout River

  • July 28, 2021
  • High Country News

Noxious algae is choking the very watershed that’s drawing people to develop property there. Experts are working to pinpoint exactly what’s driving recent blooms, but chronic algae…has been largely attributed...

POWJH is Taking Action

Community Solutions

Teton County Water Quality Management Plan

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

POWJH has been a driving force behind Teton County's unprecedented comprehensive water quality planning project that will improve our surface and groundwater resources and protect them from future degradation.

Advocacy

Hoback Junction Water & Sewer District

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

In Teton County, the Hoback area exhibits the poorest water quality with nitrate concentrations reaching levels hazardous to human health. POWJH board member Robert Frodeman is chair of the Hoback...

Community Solutions

Sustainable Home & Lawn Care Best Practices

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

Public education campaign focused on implementation of trout and stream-friendly landscaping, environmentally conscious land care and home waste monitoring waste to help keep our waterways clean and healthy.

The time to act is now.
Donate Volunteer

Support Protect Our Water Jackson Hole today to help us preserve and protect the Snake River watershed for future generations. Take action through volunteering, donating, putting best-practices in place, and raising awareness among community members.

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