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, which are 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 advanced to Level III in 1997. Design and
Construction are underway. States West was hired in 1997 to complete a
Level II study to investigate the feasibility of constructing a new well
and a new tank for the Town of Chugwater. The study was completed in 1998.
The sponsor requested funding to incorporate the two new wells drilled
west of town during Level II into the town's system and to construct
a new tank and the necessary pipelines to connect the wells to the tank
and the new tank to the town's distribution system. Improvements to the
existing well field and the roof of the town's existing storage tank
are also part of the proposed project. The estimated total project cost
is $1,613,000.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be advanced to Level III status in the
New Development Program with a 1999 appropriation of $967,800. The
financing plan includes a 60% grant for $967,800 and the town must
secure the remaining 40% from other sources. The town plans to pursue
a loan from USDA, Rural Development, Rural Utility Service.
