JACKSON, Wyo. — After nearly three years of effort to provide clean drinking water to residents of Hoback Junction, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole (POWJH) announced on Thursday, Feb. 20, the conclusion of its Hoback Clean Water Initiative clean drinking water program.

The program, which started in 2022, will end this March. According to a press release, Hoback residents have faced chronic water quality issues for over 30 years, primarily due to elevated nitrates and other contaminants in private wells. The Hoback Clean Water Initiative, launched by POWJH, delivered clean drinking water to affected households while advocating for a sustainable, community-led solution.

Now, with the Hoback Junction WSD fully established and funding from sources including the Teton County Board of County Commissioners, Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) and private contributions, the transition toward a permanent water system is “well underway,” POWJH writes. As a result, POWJH is discontinuing its direct water delivery program to refocus its resources on supporting clean water initiatives across the region.

During the program’s lifespan, POWJH will have funded and distributed over 15,000 gallons of clean drinking water to over 50 Hoback Junction households in collaboration with numerous organizations and individuals.

Although the drinking water assistance program is ending, POWJH remains committed to advocating for clean water access across Teton County. Residents who rely on private wells can take proactive steps provided by POWJH to protect their water quality:

  • Install a nitrate-removing filter if necessary – reverse-osmosis systems are the most effective method. Boiling water does not remove nitrates, but actually increases their concentration.
  • Test wells regularly – Water quality fluctuates, and seasonal changes can impact contamination levels.
  • Properly maintain septic systems – Have it inspected by a licensed technician and pumped every three years.
  • Keep contaminants away from wells – Prevent fertilizer, septic system waste and animal waste from seeping into groundwater.
  • Inspect wells – Look for signs of damage or contamination; consult a licensed contractor if needed.

For more information about POWJH’s ongoing efforts and how to protect drinking water, click here or contact POWJH Water Resources Program Manager Matthew Bambach at matt@protectourwaterjh.org.

River Stingray is a news reporter with a passion for wildlife, history and local lenses. She holds a Master's degree in environmental archaeology from the University of Cambridge and is also a published poet, dog mom and outdoor enthusiast.