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Jackson council approves water-efficiency strategy, asks staff to draft threshold-based irrigation ordinance
Summary
Council approved staff's multi-part water-efficiency strategy — including updated tiered rates, education and a draft irrigation ordinance that would trigger at a preset supply threshold — and directed staff to return with rate recommendations and the draft ordinance for consideration before May 1, 2026.
Jackson, Wyo. ' On Jan. 20 the Town of Jackson's council unanimously approved a staff-proposed water-efficiency strategy that pairs rate adjustments, outreach and incentives with a threshold-triggered irrigation ordinance to reduce summer irrigation use.
The council voted to adopt the strategy after a staff presentation that laid out options used by peer communities and the results of local outreach. "The goal of this discussion is to ensure we have enough water for domestic use and fire suppression and to determine what is the appropriate amount of water for irrigation," said Johnny Zien, the town's public works director, summarizing the package the town will implement in stages.
Staff recommended: updating the town's tiered water rates (working with rate consultants and returning with proposals within roughly six weeks), drafting an irrigation ordinance that would be written into Title 13 and activated when a predefined supply threshold is reached, expanding education and outreach between May and September, and pursuing incentive programs and irrigation audits in partnership with the Teton Conservation District. The presentation noted infrastructure work already under way, including two new wells (Wells 9 and 10) and a new pump house.
Public commenters urged caution about using permanent restrictions as the first response. "The staff's report assumes the town residents would prefer water restrictions rather than invest in needed infrastructure improvements," said a resident identifying herself as Miss Brown, who spoke for East Jackson neighbors concerned about low domestic pressure during hot summer months. Dan Tolson of Valley Landscape Service advocated incentives and audits, calling an ordinance "a last resort." Staff said they cannot force homeowners to replace irrigation systems but can require repairs and pursue voluntary cost-share or audit programs with partners.
Councilors discussed the balance between conservation and system revenue. Several members said tiered rates are the most cost-effective conservation tool, but they also flagged the need to protect the water enterprise fund so the town can continue to finance capital projects. In the motion to approve the strategy, Councilor Dan Beaman said the package gives staff a clear set of tools to use; Councilor Speary seconded the motion. The measure passed unanimously.
Next steps: staff will return to council with proposed rate adjustments and a drafted irrigation ordinance (including proposed activation thresholds) for formal consideration and potential ordinance readings ahead of May 1, 2026. The council also directed staff to pursue outreach and partnership work on audits and incentives while preserving funding capacity for necessary water infrastructure.
— Reporting by Town Hall proceedings; quotes and decisions taken from council workshop proceedings on Jan. 20.
