PROJECT INFORMATION:
The 1990 census shows Chugwater has a population of 192. They
reportedly have 108 taps in town. Recently, a motel, restaurant,
Wyoming Transportation Department rest stop, and a convenience store
have been constructed near the I-25 interchange southwest of town.
The Town of Chugwater operates three wells less than 200' deep located
in the middle of town. The wells have been recently rehabilitated and
are apparently producing a water supply of good quality that exceeds the
current needs of the town. The well depths are 100 - 150 feet deep but
are surrounded by residential lots and are adjacent to the town's
maintenance shop, possible sources of contamination. The town's water
supply reservoir was constructed in 1939 and is deteriorating. It is
probably inadequate to store sufficient water to meet present fire flow
demands. In 1996, States West Water Resources Corporation completed a
Level I study. The study determined the condition and capacity of the
wells, transmission mains, and storage tank and recommended:
- Protection of the well field and improvements to an existing well.
The town has proposed that the well field be fenced, improvements
made to the surface casing on one well and a well head protection
plan be implemented.
- Rehabilitation of the existing tank's roof and the associated
valving. The estimated life of the rehabilitated tank is 25
years. The report also recommended that the supply line to the
tank be replaced.
- Construction of a new tank sized to improve pressures in town and
to meet present fire flow requirements.
- Construction of a new well outside the existing well field. A new
well would improve water pressure in town and provide redundant
supply in the event that the other wells should become
contaminated.
Items 1 and 2 were are estimated to cost $207,000.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that portions of the project be advanced to Level II
with an appropriation of $100,000 for further investigation of possible
well sites and a larger storage tank. Exploratory wells will be drilled,
logged and tested for water quality and quantity. Preliminary design and
cost estimates to connect the wells and tank to the city system will be
prepared.
Due to the needs that were not anticipated a year ago, the WWDC also
recommends that portions of the project be advanced to Level III in the
rehabilitation program with an appropriation of $103,500 grant only to
fund well rehabilitation, tank rehabilitation, and a well head protection
program. The total project budget is $207,000. The remaining 50% of the
project costs will be financed by the Rural Utilities Service with a
combination of grants and loans.
