Project Information

Purpose of the project

Protecting water quality is integral to our community and our Comprehensive Plan for the future, which includes principles to preserve and enhance surface water and groundwater quality and calls out stewardship of surface water bodies of all sizes, the Snake River Sole Source Aquifer, wetlands, riparian areas, and groundwater. These resources are vital to sustaining healthy populations of native species and for the health and safety of the human community.

Currently, Teton County is developing a 20-year vision and implementation Water Quality Master Plan that protects surface water and groundwater resources from future degradation and improves water quality where known degradation is occurring.  The Plan will address management of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water, as well as surface and groundwater resources.

The Project Team (with representatives from Teton County, Teton Conservation District, Town of Jackson, and Protect Our Water Jackson Hole) is supported by technical, public engagement/facilitation consultants (Trihydro and Flitner Strategies).  

 The Water Quality Master Plan (WQMP) will focus on both the human element of protecting drinking water and the environmental element of protecting water resources. The WQMP will provide a clear set of roles and responsibilities for the various local entities that oversee water resources management.  The WQMP will address management of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water, as well as surface and groundwater resources. The WQMP will identify and characterize known and possible threats to these resources, develop detailed mitigation strategies, and implementation plan.    

The Scope of Work of the WQMP is comprehensive and calls for extensive attention to public input, stakeholder engagement, communication among partners and project team, and progress reporting to the public and to elected decision makers. Information collected through the public information and engagement program will be incorporated into the WQMP.  

***See the attached documents below for:

  • History and timeline of water quality work in Teton County
  • Project Details

Teton County is developing a 20-year vision and implementation Water Quality Master Plan that protects surface water and groundwater resources from future degradation and improves water quality where known degradation is occurring.  The Plan will address management of wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water, as well as surface and groundwater resources. 

Project Partners:

Teton County

Teton Conservation District

Town of Jackson

Protect Our Water JH

Trihydro

Flitner Strategies, Inc. 

The values of inclusion, transparency, and trust that drive this project align with the county’s values of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. 

complete
complete
Phase 1

Trihydro compiles existing information 

December 2021 - July 2022

Public Meeting: May 5, 2022 from 4:00-5:30 at Teton County Public Library, 125 Virginian Lane in Jackson, WY

live
live
Phase 2

Vulnerability Analysis --> to be released after incorporating feedback

July 2022- January 2022

Public Meeting: October 20, 2022 from 3:00-4:30 at Town Council Chambers, 150 E Pearl Ave in Jackson, WY

live
live
Phase 3

Characterize existing and future ground and surface water conditions --> to be released Spring 2023

December 2022 – February 2023

Virtual Stakeholder meetings: 

  • Drinking Water: January 24 @ 1 PM
  • Wastewater: January 25 @ 10 AM
  • Wildlife and Recreation: January 25 @ 2 PM
  • Stormwater: January 26 @ 1 PM

See recordings of each meeting under the "Meetings" tab

live
live
Phase 4

Identify Mitigation Strategies

Projected February 2023 - May 2023

Virtual Stakeholder meetings:

  • March (mitigation strategy options and selection process)

planned
planned
Phase 5

Prepare Water Quality Management Plan

Projected May 2023- January 2024

Public Comment period: August 2023

Stakholder meeting: September (WQMP draft review)