PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Town of Moorcroft has a population of 768. The town's primary water
supply is several groundwater wells. The water table is dropping and
affecting the yield of the well field. A supplemental supply, which is
utilized extensively, involves the purchase of water from the Gillette
Madison Pipeline. In 1990, the town requested WWDC assistance in
evaluating its water supply options.
The Level I study examined the town's existing water system, including
their wells, storage facilities, and delivery system. The study
identified several alternatives for increasing the reliability of the
town's supply. In 1992, additional work was performed to analyze the
alternatives and to select the most effective water supply option for
the community. Results of these studies indicated that the town needed
additional storage, and could be supplied by a new Lance or Fox Hills
formation well. With typical WWDC funding, purchase and maintenance of
a new well would be less expensive for the town than continuing to
purchase water from the Gillette Madison pipeline. In 1993 the town
requested Level II funding for a test well, and Level III funding for a
new storage tank, transmission, and collection pipelines. Since the
configuration of the system could be affected by well yield, WWDC
recommended the Level II study be conducted before the other funding was
considered.
The test well constructed in 1993 was not as productive as desired, but
will provide an adequate supply in conjunction with the town's existing
wells, until the town experiences substantial growth. The town has
agreed to relinquish their right to the Madison pipeline, except in
times of emergency, thereby allowing the capacity in the pipeline
reserved for Moorcroft to be used to solve water supply problems in the
Gillette area. Conceptual designs and cost estimates have been prepared
for the Moorcroft Water Supply Project. The total estimated project
cost is $930,000, which will provide a pump station, a storage facility,
and pipeline improvements.
In 1994, the project was advanced in the New Development Program to
Level III status. The sponsor has executed legal agreements with the
WWDC and the project design is underway. Construction will commence in
1996.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action is required on this project.
