May 4, 2023 |
Photo – Lone Tree Creek – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Rawlins city council was updated about the state of the municipal water system.
During a special work session held before Tuesday’s city council meeting, City Engineer Austin Gilbert and WWC Engineering’s Laramie Branch Manager Murray Schroeder talked about the progress being made on the city’s water infrastructure. Gilbert began the presentation by telling the council they need more than just grants to fix the water problem.
Rawlins receives most of its water from 14 underground aquafers south of the city. Schroeder said when the system was built 100 years ago, over 30,000 feet of wood stave pipe was laid. Using a $2.15 million ARPA grant, the city has replaced around 10,000 feet of the wooden lines with modern pipework. To finish replacing the remaining 20,000 feet of wood pipe would cost another $4 million.
The city recently received another ARPA grant, in the amount of $917,000, to rehabilitate the infrastructure at the springs. With a projected cost of over $1.8 million, the city is still on the hook for 50% of the project. The city’s other water supply source, the Beaver Creek springs, requires over $2 million to make it fully functional again.
Gilbert said of the seven collection sites in the Sage Creek basin, only two provide the bulk of the town’s water.
Gilbert laid some of the blame for the system’s collapse at the feet of his predecessors. The city engineer said shortcuts were taken in an ill-advised attempt to save money.
The price to repair the wells in the Sage Creek basin may be more than the city is willing to pay.
Gilbert suggested an alternative plan. One hundred years ago, city engineer James Wisda, recommended drilling in the Sage Creek basin. Wisda promoted the idea so much that he became known as Sage Creek Jimmy. Wells were drilled, but Wisda’s theory of an underground river was not pursued. Gilbert told the council that an underground river may exist and that the city could explore the idea to augment the municipal water supply.
The City of Rawlins Water Supply Master Plan, or level one study, is scheduled for some time during the upcoming fiscal year.
Mayor Terry Weickum said the city needs to ensure the repairs last. Once the water system is fully operational, Mayor Weickum said the city will have to set aside money to maintain it.
Gilbert and Schroeder’s slide presentation shows the entire project is expected to cost $25.1 million.
