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.
