Jackson, WY – The Town of Jackson (TOJ) announced an emergency boil‑water advisory Thursday afternoon after routine testing uncovered bacteria in the town’s water distribution system. The advisory, issued under the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), requires all water users to boil tap water before drinking, cooking, or making ice.
What residents need to do
TOJ officials advise boiling water for at least three minutes—accounting for the town’s high altitude—then allowing it to cool before use. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, preparing food, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. Any water stored in containers, recent ice, or water filtered through home systems must also be boiled before consumption.
Residents are encouraged to discard any water that was recently stored or used for drinking and to rely on bottled water where possible. The town has posted detailed tips for handling a boil order on its website.
Areas affected
The advisory extends beyond the municipal limits to include several nearby subdivisions and institutions, as listed by Teton County Emergency Management:
- 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
Health risks and guidance
TOJ’s alert warns that inadequately treated water can contain disease‑causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Potential symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, and other gastrointestinal issues. Vulnerable populations—infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems—are at heightened risk.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or with specific health concerns should consult a medical professional.
Testing and next steps
The town will continue to test the water supply daily. The advisory will be lifted once two consecutive days of clean test results are confirmed. Officials stress that the situation is being monitored closely and will provide updates through the town’s website and local media.
Jackson’s water authority noted that a similar boil‑water incident occurred in Game Creek in 2024, and lessons learned from that event are being applied to expedite testing and communication this time.
Community response
Local businesses and schools have begun distributing bottled water to staff and students while the advisory remains in effect. Residents are urged to stay informed through official town channels and to follow the boiling instructions to protect their families’ health.
For the latest information, visit the Town of Jackson’s official website or follow their social‑media alerts.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
