PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Town of Manderson is located in the northern Bighorn Basin. They
currently have two relatively shallow wells, however, they are
experiencing water quality and quantity problems. They wish to locate a
deeper, better quality groundwater source and convey that water to their
existing distribution system. There are 52 taps in this area.
The Town of Basin is committed to this project because they are
experiencing problems with their current water supply system, and
because they anticipate their current system will require a considerable
capital investment in the near future. There are 600 taps in this area.
The rural area around Manderson and Basin are also interested in the
project. They currently utilize shallow wells to supply domestic water,
which are of poor quality and quantity. there are 168 taps in this
area.
A groundwater exploration program was conducted by WWDC in 1985 that
indicated a good potential exists for obtaining groundwater from the
Paleozoic formations approximately 8 miles east of Manderson. In 1993,
an exploratory well was constructed that produced water of excellent
quality, but lacked sufficient yield to supply the projected 750 taps in
the regional water system. In 1994 the well was hydraulically fractured
in an attempt to stimulate water production. The well now flows
approximately 350 gpm of good quality water.
In 1994, the project continued through conceptual designs and cost
estimates. The sponsor has 820 taps committed to the project. A joint
powers board has been formed to serve as the sponsor for the project.
The project is currently being designed. The engineer will conduct
three separate bid lettings for the project. One contract will be
associated with drilling a second production well. The second
construction contract will provide the major transmission pipeline
between the wells and the Town of Basin. The third contract will
construct the transmission facilities to serve the rural water users.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project appropriation be increased from
$670,000 to $6,030,000 or $5,360,000 to complete the project
construction funding package. The appropriation will serve as a 67%
grant. The sponsor has secured the remaining 33% of the project budget
from the RECD.