Addressing Peak Demands Through Conservation and OrdinancesStrategy Overview and Goals
The purpose is for Council to give staff direction on a water efficiency strategy and evaluate alternatives for ordinances to reduce irrigation usage. The public water supply meets domestic use, fire suppression, and irrigation; efficiency reduces infrastructure costs passed to users. Consumption peaked at 180 million gallons in July 2025, prompting an emergency ordinance. Staff recommend reducing summer consumption 15% from 2024-2025 baselines in Zones 1 (east), 2 (mid), and 3 (west), monitored weekly/monthly. Council previously directed strategy development at October 20, 2025 workshop.
Proposed Actions
Staff recommends evaluating tiered water rates (return spring/summer 2026); drafting an irrigation ordinance effective when thresholds met (return before May 1, 2026); strengthening education May-September 2026 (website, messaging, press, video); elevating incentives with partners like Teton Conservation District (spring 2026, new FY27); upgrading Town irrigation systems (budget FY27, install summer 2026); reviewing landscaping LDRs (FY27 or later). For related water efforts, see Jackson Addresses EPA Water Line Inventory.
Public Engagement and Regional Examples
Two sessions gathered input: tiered rates most popular/effective, followed by audits and LDR updates; safety messaging (fire flow) most compelling. Irrigators preferred set schedules; public favored availability-based restrictions. Regional ordinances limit watering (e.g., 3 days/week in Cody, Bozeman; every other day in Park City). Incentives include rebates in Steamboat Springs, Bozeman. Aspen, Fort Collins have tiered restrictions/plans.
- Jackson Town Council Workshop on Water Efficiency Strategy January 20th - January 13, 2026
- Jackson Town Council Workshop Explores LDR Changes to Address Development Impacts - January 13, 2026
- Health Officials Urge Radon Testing - January 6, 2026