We Can Improve Water Quality in Teton County
I am running for Teton County Commissioner because I believe Teton County can do better. We can do better for working families and the environment. One key initiative is to help Teton County implement better water management policies. Many of our beautiful creeks, streams, and rivers have been degraded by human waste runoff. One of the key culprits is aging septic systems across the valley.
I have reviewed the data-driven recommendations from Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, and I will work with my fellow commissioners to implement better septic management.
From POWJH:
Teton County has over 3000 septic systems that release wastewater effluent into the ground. A recent local study found that, from the bacterial communities identified, the dominant source of nutrient pollution was human wastewater. When there was an increase in precipitation and development, there was an increase in human wastewater. This points directly to septic systems. High seasonal groundwater depths can lead to insufficient effluent treatment of septic systems. (Source: “Septic System Contamination of Drinking Water Source and Surface Waters”)
My solution: strengthen septic system management by requiring septic inspections and repairs at the time of a property sale. While property owners should conduct regular septic inspections, this tool can provide an important enforcement and oversight mechanism.
Beyond septic system repair, we should create a fund to offer low-interest loans or grants to cover the cost of connecting homes with septic systems to a wastewater treatment system. Such a fund would require collaboration between state, federal, and non-profit organizations. However, as residents of the Snake River headwaters, we have a responsibility to do our part to steward this precious resource.
If you want to learn more about me or my platform, please contact me at info@alex4tetoncounty.com
From Protect Our Water Jackson Hole: “How septic systems contaminate our drinking water source and pollute surface waters.”