Editor’s note: This article was updated at 4:45 p.m. with new information provided by TOJ about available drinking water.
JACKSON, Wyo. — Yesterday, the Town of Jackson (TOJ) reported bacteria in the Town’s water system; the school district subsequently canceled Friday classes and residents have been scrambling to grocery stores to stock up on bottled water.
The events of the last 24 hours have community forums actively seeking out water and commenting on events. Some posters are offering to bring water to Jackson from Swan Valley, and Reddit threads are full of commenters seeking viable filtration options.
Local establishments that are not connected to Town water supply have taken to social media to share free water options for residents in need of fresh water. Among those are Dornans in Moose and Hungry Jack’s in Wilson. Element Plumbing is offering free UV disinfected water at their shop at 3500 S. Cornerstone Rd.
In addition, Macy’s Services has parked a truck full of potable water at the fairgrounds; the community is invited to bring and fill their own containers. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, the Foodbank of the Rockies will deliver pallets of bottled water to the same fairgrounds location (near the tennis courts); two cases per household/business will be available while supplies last.
Executive Director of Protect Our Water Jackson Hole Phil Powers urged residents to support the Town as it works to identify the cause of the advisory. He described the incident as “an anomaly.”
“We need to give [the Town] the freedom of time and thoughtfulness to do their jobs,” Powers told Buckrail. “Today is a day to really support the Town in getting the work done that they need to do.”
Food establishments on Town water supply have been provided with guidelines to follow if they choose to remain open for the duration of the boil water order, and residents looking to boil water for consumption are recommended to follow these best practices provided by the Teton County Health Department.
