Jackson council approves water‑efficiency strategy, asks staff to draft trigger‑based irrigation ordinance

The Jackson Town Council on Jan. 20 approved a staff‑proposed water‑efficiency strategy that pairs updated tiered water rates with outreach and incentive programs and directs staff to draft an irrigation ordinance that would take effect when a predefined supply threshold is reached.

The strategy, presented by public‑works staff, calls for a near‑term review of the town’s tiered water‑rate structure with outside rate consultants and the preparation of an irrigation ordinance to be codified in Title 13 of the municipal code. Staff emphasized the ordinance would not be an emergency measure but would be written into the code and activated only if supply metrics cross an agreed trigger.

“On the water rates, and tiers…we are currently undertaking this, as we speak, with our rate consultants,” said John Zim, public‑works staff, explaining staff anticipates returning with a detailed rate proposal in about a month and a half to two months. Tanya Anderson, ecosystems stewardship administrator, summarized regional options and public engagement feedback, noting that three‑day‑a‑week and odd/even day irrigation models were common in peer communities.

The strategy also recommends ramping up May–September education campaigns, pursuing incentive and cost‑share programs (for example, partnering with the Teton Conservation District on irrigation audits), and coordinating parks and recreation irrigation upgrades in future capital budgets. Staff said tiered pricing produced the best gallons‑saved‑per‑dollar result in comparative cost analyses, while enhanced metering and leak detection can generate larger savings but at higher up‑front cost.

During council questions, staff confirmed the town cannot compel private property owners to install new irrigation hardware but can require repairs of leaks and pursue voluntary cost‑share programs to encourage upgrades. Several councilors asked staff to bring back a focused presentation on rate options at the next workshop so councilors could weigh philosophical choices about equity and conservation before any rate changes are adopted.

Members of the public urged a measured approach. Valerie Brown, an East Jackson resident, said the town should prioritize infrastructure upgrades to maintain domestic and fire‑suppression flows in densifying neighborhoods rather than rely solely on permanent watering restrictions. Landscapers and conservation groups urged incentives and careful threshold settings so the ordinance is used only when necessary.

Councilor Freeman moved to approve the water‑efficiency strategy and direct staff to proceed; the motion passed unanimously. The staff will return with a rate analysis and a draft ordinance and proposed trigger thresholds for council review.

The council’s action directs staff to proceed with drafting a permanent irrigation ordinance that would be enacted if the supply threshold is met, to pursue incentive programs and to present a rates package to the council for deliberation and potential adoption.