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Stormwater Runoff

Negative effects of increasing hardscapes in Jackson, WY

Stormwater runoff is the number one cause of stream impairment in urban areas, like Flat Creek in the Town of Jackson.

As Jackson Hole becomes further developed, buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces are added to the landscape, and the amount of stormwater runoff entering surface waters increases. Water from rain or snow storms, known as stormwater, instead flows over streets, parking lots, and roofs picking up contaminants and eventually flowing into a storm drain or waterbody.

As runoff flows over hardscape, it picks up contaminants. Much of the Flat Creek stretch through town is lined by impervious surfaces and also experiences soil disturbance from construction activities. The resulting stormwater can damage public health, recreational opportunities, creek form and function, and alter habitat for aquatic life.

When stormwater runoff drains into natural waterways, it can carry toxins, trash, nutrients, and other pollutants. Erosion into surface water releases sediment into creeks, rivers, and lakes, which can cloud water and fill in the small spaces between rocks that aquatic macroinvertebrates need to survive.

Solution: Riparian Zones

The practice of using plants to clean up contaminated soil is called “phytoremediation.” In this process, specific plants are grown in areas where certain contaminants are present. Establishing riparian areas (shoreline vegetation) controls and minimizes runoff from impervious surfaces and buffers the creek from stormwater contaminants. Riparian plant roots help prevent this contamination. Plant roots not only host microbes that can break down toxins and nutrients in the soil, but also hold soil in place to reduce erosion.

Wetlands and riparian areas act as natural filters of pollutants including sediment, nutrients, and pathogens to waterbodies such as rivers, streams, and lakes, and ponds. Developing wetland areas, such as the Karns Meadow Stormwater Treatment Wetland, help to control changes in flow, collect sedimentation, and absorb excess nutrients. Smaller wetland projects can also be created at a more individual scale.

Stormwater News in Teton County, WY

WYDOT contractor was ‘late’ on bridge work stormwater permit

  • April 12, 2023
  • JH News & Guide

A Wyoming Department of Transportation contractor was “late” getting a stormwater permit for rebuilding the Snake River bridge and a nearby intersection, drawing scrutiny from Teton County water quality advocates....

Water quality becomes focus in Comp Plan update

  • September 30, 2020
  • JH News & Guide

A draft update to the 2012 Jackson/Teton Comprehensive Plan is on its way to elected officials for a final review where water quality is sure to be top of mind....

New Construction Guidelines

Many of the streams and creeks that flow into the Snake River in Jackson Hole have demonstrated elevated levels of algae that are well above what would be considered abnormally...

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.

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.
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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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