Wyoming
Wyoming Residents Reminded: Test and Maintain Your Private Wells
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging residents who rely on private wells to take a closer look at their water systems as part of National Groundwater Awareness Week.
Friday, March 13, has been designated “Know Your Well Day,” an initiative aimed at educating the thousands of Wyoming residents who depend on private wells for their drinking water. Officials say the goal is to remind homeowners to regularly “test, tend, and treat” their wells to ensure their water is safe.
Unlike public water systems, the quality of water in private wells is not regulated by state or federal agencies. That means the responsibility for monitoring water safety falls on the well owner.
“Because private well owners are responsible for their own water quality, routine testing is the most reliable way to ensure a safe water supply,” said Wylee Rizzitello, who helps oversee the state’s Know Your Well program.
State officials recommend private well owners test their water at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates. Additional testing may be needed if water changes in taste, odor, or appearance, or after events like flooding or system repairs.
Homeowners are also encouraged to inspect their wells regularly, making sure caps are secure and that the area around the wellhead is free from potential contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides, or motor oil.
If testing reveals contaminants, WDEQ recommends working with a certified professional to install an appropriate water treatment system.
To help residents maintain their wells, the agency provides educational resources, including fact sheets and instructional videos on collecting water samples. Find more info here.
Weirdest Creatures in the Cowboy State
Wyoming’s animals are wild and weird. Pronghorns rocket across the plains, bison casually block roads, and sage grouse strut around like they own the place. Coyotes, eagles, and mountain lions pop up out of nowhere, making it feel like the state is one big, unpredictable wildlife show.
Spring Field Guide for Spotting Birds Returning to Wyoming
Audubon of the Rockies lists several places you can spot birds that have come back to the Cowboy State.
Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media
TETON COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health recently confirmed two additional cases of measles in Teton County, bringing the statewide total to six cases, with five cases having occurred in Teton County.
A release from the WDH states that one recently-confirmed case is an adult with no identified links to the previous three Teton County cases, while the other case is also an adult, who had direct exposure to a previously identified case.
“This underscores the highly contagious nature of the measles virus,” the release states.
According to the release, the public may have been exposed to measles at the following locations and times:
Target Jackson Hole, 510 S Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 5, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 6, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
- July 7, 2026, 7:00 AM through 7:00 PM
Smith’s Food and Drug, 1425 South Highway 89, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
- July 8, 2026, 9:00 AM through noon
“Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death,” the release states. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection.”
For more information on measles, including case counts, exposure locations, and guidance on what to do if exposed, visit the Wyoming Department of Health website.
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