POWJH works together with the community to protect the water resources that make Jackson Hole a desirable place to live and visit. We do this by implement programs for safe drinking water, engaging with the community test and protect their drinking water, advocating for infrastructure improvements, and fostering collaborative action amongst NGOs, elected officials, state and federal agencies, funders, and service providers.
Community Solutions
Community Solutions
Water Quality Monitoring
Fish Creek and parts of Flat Creek have been listed on Wyoming’s Impaired Waters list since 2020 for elevated E. coli bacteria. Despite this, regular monitoring of bacteria levels in these waterbodies has not occurred. POWJH launched a collaborative water quality monitoring program in Spring 2023 to provide data critical to safe recreation and informed management of each creek.
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
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.
Community Solutions
Hoback Clean Water Initiative
Date: Ongoing
Status: Current
Community Solutions
Teton County Comp Plan Updates
Date: 2020
Status: Completed
In 2020, POWJH spearheaded the effort to improve water quality protections in the 2012 Teton County Comprehensive Plan updates.
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.
Community Solutions
Town of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant Review
Date: 2021-2022
Status: Completed
There have been questions about the quality of the treated effluent being discharged into the Snake River from Teton County's largest wastewater treatment facility. POWJH has partnered with the Town of Jackson to initiate an independent, third-party review of operations at the facility. A request for proposals to hire a consultant was released on July 7, 2021, and POWJH is working with the Town to review submissions to hire the consultant in August 2021.
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.