Clean Water
Be Source Water Wise
Clean water is vital to our personal health and the health of our community. As our community grows, we also increase the likelihood for pollutants to enter our waterways and underground aquifer. Part of FTR’s mission is to raise awareness about existing and potential contaminant sources within the Teton River Watershed, along with engaging residents and businesses on the importance of clean water protection. Understanding local hydrology, water quality concerns, and actions you can take will help safeguard (and improve) water quality in the Teton River watershed.
Explore clean water resources, learn about septic maintenance, participate in nitrate testing, create a Trout Friendly Lawn and more throughout this section.
What is a Watershed
A watershed is a defined area of land that drains rainfall and snowmelt into one body of water. All of the people, wildlife, municipalities and agricultural operations within the watershed share the water resources that are within the watershed boundary. It is critical that we understand where our water comes from, where it flows, and how to keep it clean and plentiful into the future.
Threats to Clean Water
A non-point source is much harder to pin-point and can come from many places all at once. Accumulative effects of non-point source pollution can add up to a large impact on water quality. Leaching of nutrients into our groundwater, septic systems that leak untreated waste, or chemicals that accumulate on roadways and parking lots can all be examples of point source pollution.
Water Cycle
Water is always flowing between different reservoirs in the water cycle. A water droplet could fall as a snowflake in the Teton Mountains, then melt and flow downhill in the spring before being absorbed into the ground, travelling into the shallow underground aquifer in the valley. If we followed the water droplet long enough, it would flow into the Teton River after bubbling up from a spring, then eventually make its way towards the Pacific Ocean via the Snake and then Columbia River.
Well Water Testing
All Teton County residents living outside city limits and using water from a private well are responsible for the testing, operation, and maintenance of their well to ensure that well water is safe to drink. Teton County, ID residents generally enjoy very high-quality drinking water due to Teton County, Idaho’s low density, rural population and its location high in the headwaters of the Teton River Watershed. However, it is important to note that some areas of Teton County, ID do have elevated nitrate levels caused by improperly maintained septic systems, personal or commercial fertilizer use, animal waste, or a combination of those factors.
Private Well Nitrate Screening Results
To help individual well owners learn more about their well water quality, Friends of the Teton River facilitates annual well water testing for the Teton River watershed. This program will offer a group order of well water test kits and group shipping to the laboratory in Pocatello, ID. Participation in this program acknowledges that test results will be shared with Friends of the Teton River, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and Teton Conservation District. To stay up to date on program dates and details, subscribe to our e-newsletter (link in header) or reach out to [email protected].
Nutrient Pollution and Bacteria
Excess nutrients in our water can cause damage to aquatic ecosystems and can cause health issues for people who consume contaminated water.
When there is a large amount of non-point source nutrient pollution, these nutrients can build up to larger levels over time. Once a water source like our aquifer is contaminated with nutrients it can be very challenging to remove the contaminant.
Coliform bacteria can also become present in drinking water, specifically related to septic systems and animal waste that enters groundwater.
Septic Systems
Septic systems that are not properly inspected and maintained may not satisfactorily treat waste before releasing it back into the ground and will contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Routine septic pumping and inspections every 3 to 5 years can ensure that sludge build up is removed and a septic system is functional, protecting local groundwater resources. This is a relatively inexpensive and efficient process.
WaterSmart Teton Valley
Our community depends on clean and abundant water to support our strong agricultural economy and abundant fish and wildlife populations. WaterSmart Teton Valley offers tips for homeowners to conserve water inside and outside of the home.