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Septic System Pollution

Septic System Contamination of Drinking Water Source and Surface Waters

Teton County has over 2000 septic systems that release wastewater effluent into the ground.

A recent local study found that, from the bacterial communities identified, the dominant source of nutrient pollution was human wastewater. When there was an increase in precipitation and development, there was an increase in human wastewater. This points directly to septic systems. High seasonal groundwater depths can lead to insufficient effluent treatment of septic systems.

Poor management and/or improper placement of septic systems can result in contaminated groundwater. Without regular maintenance, septic systems may fail and leak untreated or improperly treated sewage into the environment, contaminating adjacent groundwater and surface waters.

Nitrogen and phosphorus from inadequate septic systems play a major role in excessive weed and algae growth in ponds and streams and can contribute to elevated nitrate levels in drinking water well supplies.

Septic treatment issues in Teton County, WY.

Local Climate

Microbes have less energy at lower temperatures, which leads to diminished treatment. Rich soils are also necessary for an effective leach field. Our valley floor is primarily cobble, gravel, and sand which provides limited treatment.

Seasonal Use

Septic systems need a steady supply of wastewater. Too much at once can flood the system and too infrequent a supply can kill off the microbes in the tank and leach field.

Seasonal Snow Melt

High seasonal groundwater depths can lead to insufficient effluent treatment from septic systems. The interaction of surface water and groundwater can cause nutrient and microbial contamination to groundwater — our only source of drinking water.

Improper Management & Maintenance

Even with regular inspections and maintenance, the average lifespan of a septic system is 20 to 30 years. Many systems in Teton County have reached or exceeded their useful lifespan, or are not being properly maintained to adequately protect public health, and surface and groundwater quality.

How septic systems contaminate our drinking water source and pollute surface waters.

Wastewater is defined as “used water” and often contains multiple pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus. One method of treating household wastewater is called a septic system. With this system, wastewater travels through pipes and enters an underground tank called a septic tank.

Why Septic Issues Matter

Nutrient Pollution in Jackson Hole

Nutrient pollution is quickly becoming Teton County, Wyoming’s most widespread, costly, and challenging environmental problem, and is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in water.

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The Invisible River is the Foundation of our Ecosystem

The Invisible River: Most of the water in the Snake River is not in the river – it’s in the gravel.

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Drinking Water Contamination

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, WY.

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What are the solutions?

 

 

Local Regulation

Small Wastewater Facility (septic system) Regulations should be implemented requiring regular inspections and maintenance.

Teton County Regulations

Sewer District Formation

Remove septic systems and connect to sewer districts. All homes within reasonable proximity of a sewer line should be connected.

Hoback Water & Sewer District

What can homeowners do?

Proper operation and regular maintenance of septic systems are of critical importance to protecting our water resources.

Regular maintenance not only protects you and your neighbor’s health, it protects our streams and rivers from excessive nutrients and bacterial contamination, and can also help property owners avoid costly septic system repairs or replacement.

Best Practices

Septic tanks aren’t keeping feces out of rivers, lakes

  • ScienceDaily - Michigan State University

August 3, 2015 — The notion that septic tanks prevent fecal bacteria from seeping into rivers and lakes simply doesn’t hold water, says a 2015 study. A team of water...

Why are the Small Wastewater Facility (Septic System) Regulations so important?

  • November 29, 2021
  • Buckrail

As a headwaters community of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, our outstanding water resources deserve the best protection — equal to the value they provide. Proper management of septic systems is...

Wastewater Is Key to Reducing Nitrogen Pollution

  • Scientific American

June 2, 2016 —  Upgrading wastewater treatment plants can dramatically reduce a municipality’s nitrogen footprint. Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities as well as household septic systems can be expensive, but such...

POWJH is Taking Action

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Community Solutions

Teton County Septic System Regulations

Date: 2020-2021
Status: Completed

In May 2021, Teton County released proposed updates to the Small Wastewater Facility (septic system) Regulations for Public Comment. POWJH took a leadership role to ensure the proposed rules protected drinking water and the environment.

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Community Solutions

Septic Maintenance Cost Share Program

Date: Spring 2017 & 2018
Status: Completed

Teton Conservation District and Friends of Fish Creek partnered to provide Teton County, Wyoming, residents the opportunity to receive a rebate for pumping septic systems which had not been maintained in the last 5 years.

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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