PROJECT INFORMATION:
Water levels in domestic and stock wells in the north Cheyenne area have been decreasing. There
are approximately 1,500 residences in the north Cheyenne area with a population of approximately
5,000 people. The area encompasses approximately 30 square miles. All the residences are served
by individual wells and waste water is treated with individual septic systems. In 1991, the Laramie
County Commissioners requested a Level I planning study to develop a master plan for the north
Cheyenne area. The request was initiated in response to complaints of residents concerning reduced
water levels in wells and possible water quality degradation.
In 1992, the WWDC contracted with States West Water Resources Corporation (States West) to
complete a Level I water supply master plan study of the north Cheyenne area. The study was
completed in 1993 and identified several water supply alternatives. Reconnaissance level designs
and cost estimates were prepared for a system that would utilize groundwater as a water source, a
rural water supply system with transmission capacity to address future growth using water supplied
by the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities, and a water supply system with limited transmission
capacity using water supplied by the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities. In addition, water
conservation, aquifer recharge and no action alternatives were also evaluated. The Level I report
concluded that the preferred alternative is to purchase water from the city of Cheyenne and to
systematically construct a transmission pipeline system to accommodate existing and future water
supply needs. The cost for the water supply system built to city of Cheyenne standards is about $45
per household per month. In addition, each landowner would have to finance approximately $14,000
for completion of a distribution system and connection to the main water supply lines.
The project was terminated at the conclusion of the Phase I work program because several issues
(annexation, property owner interest) had to be resolved before additional technical work can be
performed. In all probability, the interest in the project will vary throughout the area and the ultimate
project will be phased based upon that interest.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The Commission recommends the project be retained at Level II-Hold status.