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 of a water supply system built to the City of
Cheyenne standards is about $45 per household per month. Each landowner would also have to
finance approximately $14,000 needed to connect to the main water supply lines and to build an
internal water distribution system
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.