JACKSON, Wyo. — Turn off those faucets: An emergency boil-water order has been issued for the Town of Jackson (TOJ) following the detection of bacteria in the town’s water distribution system.
“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,” an alert from the Town issued Thursday afternoon reads.
The unspecified bacteria was detected in a town well. Town water users should not drink water without boiling it first. TOJ advises using bottled water, or bringing all tap water to a rolling boil for at least three minutes (given the altitude) and letting it cool before using. Boiled or bottled water is advised for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. TOJ noted that all stored water, drinks or ice made recently should be discarded. Filtered water must be boiled, too. See tips for dealing with a boil order here.
According to Teton County Emergency Management’s alert issued at 4:59 p.m., the advisory also affects these water system users outside of town limits:
- Saddle Butte subdivision
- 3 Creek Ranch
- Jackson Hole Classical Academy
- Jackson Hole High School
- 2775 W Dairy Ln
- 2605 W Dairy Ln
- 3385 W Boyles Hill Rd
- 3005 W Boyles Hill Rd
- 2905 W Boyles Hill Rd
- 2805 W Boyles Hill Rd
- 2925 W Red House Dr
- Teton Science School – Coyote Canyon
- Teton County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Building
“Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms including bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms,” TOJ’s alert states. “They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. For individual or personal health questions, please contact your doctor.”
TOJ will provide updates as it continues testing the water supply; the advisory will be considered resolved after “two consecutive days of clean test results are confirmed.”
Game Creek experienced a similar situation in 2024.
This is a developing story. Buckrail will provide updates as information becomes available.
