Teton County WQMP
Date: Ongoing
Status: Current
Celebrating Approval of the Teton County Water Quality Management Plan
One of our most significant milestones is the adoption of the Teton County Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), a $1.3 million endeavor catalyzed by POWJH’s initial investment of $250,000.
Teton County, WY embarked on an unprecedented comprehensive water quality planning project to improve our surface and groundwater resources and protect them from future degradation. POWJH has been a driving force behind this historic effort.
The WQMP project is a comprehensive scientific analysis and implementation plan to identify known and possible threats to our groundwater and surface waters. It will outline detailed mitigation strategies that provide a clear set of roles and responsibilities for the various local entities that oversee water resources management.
The project partners include representatives from Teton County, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, Teton Conservation District, and the Town of Jackson. Collectively, the partners selected Trihydro as the technical consultant to lead the project.
The WQMP will address the management of wastewater, drinking water, stormwater and nonpoint source pollution, and water resources for wildlife and recreation. The scope of work also calls for community outreach & education, stakeholder engagement, and public input.
Officially approved by the Board of County Commissioners on June 4, 2024, this plan outlines critical priorities scheduled for implementation in the coming years, including:
- Expanding monitoring of surface and groundwater
- Updating small wastewater facility regulations
- Developing a Water Quality Protection overlay to protect vulnerable surface and groundwater areas through improved land-use regulations
- Incorporating source water assessments to identify zones of concern and protect water quality
- Acquiring the Munger Mountain sewer line and expanding the service area
- Extending a sewer line along Highway 89 to serve key commercial locations
- Implementing and updating the Flat Creek Watershed Management Plan
- Reducing pollution in Fish Creek through the Fish Creek Watershed Management Plan
- Adding protection for the Snake River Sole Source Aquifer to ensure safe drinking water
While the adoption of the plan is a critical first step, much work remains to fund and build the critical research, understanding, and infrastructure necessary to protect human health and Jackson Hole’s precious water.
