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Drinking Water Contamination

Elevated Nitrates in Local Drinking Water

Elevated concentrations of nitrates in our drinking water are the strongest indicator of human contamination. The Teton Conservation District found elevated nitrates in parts of Hog Island, Snake River trailer park, parts of Kelly, Pub Place which is directly above Melody Ranch homes, and Old West Cabins in South Park. Hoback Junctions groundwater already exceeds the EPA’s maximum allowable nitrate concentration.

Studies have shown increased risks of colon, kidney, and stomach cancer among people with higher ingestion of water nitrate. Concentrations above 4 ppm indicate contamination.

The U.S. drinking water standard for nitrate of 10 mg/L nitrate (as nitrogen) was first set in 1962 in order to protect against infant methemoglobinemia (Blue-baby syndrome). Other health effects were not considered.

Firmer protection plans are needed.

Teton County has 113 Public Water Systems – more than any other Wyoming county. Most Teton County Public Water Systems lack the basic protections of Source Water Assessments and Source Water Protection Plans. The key to preventing contamination of Wyoming’s public drinking water supplies is to develop protection plans.

Resources

What is a Public Water System and how does it affect you?

How do I know if a Public Water System has safe drinking water?

WY Source Water Assessments are Voluntary

Wyoming is the only state that does not require Source Water Assessments. The Wyoming program is voluntary.

Very few have current Source Water Assessments.

Local Water Systems are not in Compliance

Of our 113 Public Water Systems, 60 of these Public Water Systems have amassed 166 violations over the last three years, ranging from exceedances of:

  • E. coli concentrations;
  • Nitrate-Nitrite concentrations;
  • the revised total coliform rule, and/or failure to follow the consumer confidence rule.

Safe Drinking Water is a Legal Right

The Safe Drinking Water Act requires states to create a Source Water Assessment Program for all public drinking water systems.

We must protect our single source of drinking water.

The groundwater in the Snake River Alluvial Aquifer is designated as a Sole Source Aquifer by the EPA for drinking water for all of Teton County, Wyoming. This means our entire county relies on one source for all of our drinking water.

What does Sole Source Aquifer mean?

This designation has been created and assigned to us because:

1) Our aquifer provides drinking water for nearly the region’s entire population.

2) We have no alternative drinking water source if our aquifer becomes contaminated.

Nutrient Pollution Persists

Nutrient pollution in Jackson Hole is contaminating our drinking water every day that goes by. The drinking water in the Hoback Junction area has reached the point where it is unfit for human consumption based on exceeding the EPA’s maximum allowable nitrate concentration.

What is Nutrient Pollution?

POWJH is Taking Action

Community Solutions, Education & Outreach, Events

Drinking Water Well Testing

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

POWJH received two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Education grants to provide free drinking water well testing resources to our community. We now host free water quality testing events in spring and fall. Any Teton County, WY private well user can participate. Test kits are available in English and Spanish.

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.

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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