Creating the Teton County WQMP involved multiple entities that had previously worked independently on water quality issues without fully resolving all challenges. Teton County, Trihydro, and our teaming partner, Flitner Strategies, collaborated with Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, Teton Conservation District, the Town of Jackson, and stakeholders to study and understand the existing and potential future human-induced threats to both surface water and groundwater quality and develop strategies for adequately managing them.
The project team engaged over 125 stakeholders from five key groups: wastewater, stormwater, point and non-point sources, wildlife and recreation, drinking water, and cooperating agencies. The team utilized outreach methods to ensure broad public involvement, including a public engagement website, newsletters, social media, advertising, news stories, and public comment sessions. These efforts were instrumental in informing and involving the community throughout the planning process, ultimately leading to the successful development of the WQMP.
The project commenced in January 2022, following a structured planning process with the following steps:
- Data Collection and Review: Compile and review information on water quality data and studies, including over 40 existing reports and six water quality datasets.
- Data Gap, Sensitivity, and Vulnerability Analyses: Identify data gaps and conduct a sensitivity and vulnerability analysis to identify high-risk areas.
- Water Resource Assessment: Prepare a water resources assessment that evaluates impacts or potential impacts from wastewater, stormwater, point and non-point sources, and wildlife and recreation. Drinking water sources, which consist predominantly of groundwater from the alluvial aquifer, were also evaluated. Finally, future considerations such as wildfires, climate change, and emerging contaminants were presented.
- Identify Water Quality Actions: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize water quality actions that could address water quality issues and improve the management of water resources.
- Prepare the WQMP: Work with stakeholders to identify and prioritize water quality actions that could be implemented over the planning period.
- Adopt and Implement the WQMP: With the county commissioners' approval and the public's input, adopt and implement the WQMP.
The WQMP was adopted in June 2024 after a thorough review and feedback from the project team, stakeholders, and the public. This resulted in a comprehensive and collaborative WQMP that provides a roadmap for the county to address water quality issues and protect water resources for the next 20 years.
The WQMP includes the following key components:
- A plan that categorizes water quality into essential, immediate, short-term, and long-term actions and assigns responsibilities and timelines for implementation.
- A governance framework that establishes a water quality advisory committee, a water quality coordinator, and a technical advisory group to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the WQMP.
- A water quality protection overlay that defines areas of high sensitivity and vulnerability and imposes more stringent requirements for development and wastewater management.
- A priority sewer connection overlay for wastewater collection and treatment that identifies existing service areas and areas that need to be connected to wastewater systems or satellite treatment plants.
- A countywide surface and groundwater monitoring network that collects and analyzes water quality data and informs adaptive management.
- Recommendations for amendments to the small wastewater facility and land development regulations to enhance water quality protection.
- Recommendations for additional studies to fill data gaps and characterize the alluvial aquifer.
- Recommendations for education and outreach to raise awareness and promote best practices for water quality protection.
This comprehensive and collaborative approach enhances the protection and improvement of Teton County’s water quality for future generations. By proactively managing water resources, the WQMP supports the health and well-being of the community, safeguards the natural beauty that attracts tourism, and promotes sustainable development. This effort addresses immediate water quality issues and creates resilient natural resources that benefit residents, wildlife, and visitors alike.