In a pivotal joint meeting on August 4, 2025, the Teton County Board of Commissioners and the Jackson Town Council focused on a pressing issue: the urgent need to enhance water quality in the region. Aaron Prezan, chair of Protect Our Waters, passionately addressed the council, emphasizing the critical state of local water resources and the necessity for immediate action.

Prezan, a long-time advocate for river conservation, highlighted the alarming decline in water quality, urging the council to prioritize this issue. "We are in a Headwaters County, and we need to keep our water clean and improve it," he stated, calling for the formation of a joint powers board to facilitate collaboration between the town and county on water management initiatives.

He proposed several actionable steps, including upgrading the Munger Mountain sewer line and connecting homes with outdated septic systems to the municipal sewer system. Prezan stressed that the community deserves more than just an "okay" sewage treatment plant, advocating for a facility that reflects the county's wealth and environmental significance.

The council acknowledged the importance of these discussions, with members expressing their commitment to ongoing efforts in water protection. The meeting also included routine approvals of meeting minutes and consent items, but the focus remained firmly on the water quality master plan and the need for a strategic approach to safeguard the region's vital water resources.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of Prezan's message resonated: every day of inaction risks further degradation of the Snake River and local drinking water. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how swiftly they can implement the proposed initiatives to protect Teton County's precious water supply.