Town of Jackson – Emergency Boil Water Order (September 24th)
As of September 24th, the Town of Jackson (TOJ) issued an emergency boil-water order. You can find updates and guidance here.
I am running for County Commissioner in part to bring attention and solutions to our water quality issues in Teton County. As I shared earlier this week, there are many things we can do to improve and protect water in Teton County. Water is Life – it doesn’t get more basic than that.
The fact that Town of Jackson residents and members of surrounding areas cannot drink their water because of E. coli contamination is not acceptable in the wealthiest county in the United States! As a reminder, last summer, both East and West Jackson had water use restrictions due to failing infrastructure.
The first job of government is to provide basic services. Clean water is one of them. Water quality and water supply must be a priority of the Town and County administrations. For too long, these problems have been kicked down the road. We need leaders who are not afraid to tackle difficult issues, I am that leader.
C’mon Jackson, We Can Do Better!
Due to bacteria being detected a Town well, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has jurisdiction over the Town’s water supply, has mandated a Boil Water Advisory for the Town of Jackson and all the water systems that utilize the Town’s water until further notice.
Do not drink water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a rolling boil for at least (3) three minutes, which is longer given our altitude, and let it cool before using or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. All stored water, drinks or ice made recently should be discarded.
Teton County’s Health Department has resources to help learn more specifics about what to do during Boil Water Advisories. Until this advisory is lifted, shift practices related to preparing and cooking food, washing dishes, water filters, feeding babies and using formula, ice, bathing and showering, brushing teeth, and caring for pets. Filtered water must still be boiled.