Rawlins Council Holds Another Discussion on La Paloma Sewer Problems

JULY 23, 2025 |

Photo – A backflow prevention valve – Courtesy citizeneffect.org

Rawlins officials continue to debate how to best help residents impacted by recurring sewer backups on the city’s west side.

At the June 17th Rawlins City Council meeting, resident Kendra Sisneros addressed the governing body about sewer issues on La Paloma Drive, located behind Memorial Hospital of Carbon County. Sisneros said a sewer backup in 2020 forced her to pay for costly repairs to her home’s sewer system. However, the problem persisted, with Sisneros reporting that sewer water from other residents has backed up into her basement at least 13 times over the past five years.

Sisneros said the repeated floods have begun to damage her home.

Public Works Director Cody Dill explained that the sewer pipes in the La Paloma neighborhood have settled over time, forming low spots known as bellies. When improperly disposed items, such as wet wipes, accumulate in those areas, they obstruct the flow of sewage and back up the entire system. Dill said that permanently fixing the issue will require a large-scale sewer line replacement project, which would cost roughly $3 million.

Instead, the City Council discussed installing sewer backflow preventers in the affected homes. A sewer backflow preventer is a plumbing device that automatically seals shut when it detects reverse pressure from the municipal system but allows sewage to flow normally out of a person’s house. Public Works Director Dill offered to obtain an estimate to purchase and install sewer backflow preventors in the neighborhood.

During the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting. Councilman Derek Elliott asked when the city will fix the sewer issues on La Paloma Drive. Councilman Elliot explained that he reached out to a local plumbing contractor and received an estimate of $20,000 to $30,000 to reroute the sewer lines from La Paloma south to West Elm Street.

Councilman Elliot added that the project would be cheaper if handled by city employees rather than an outside contractor.

Public Works Director Dill said the plan has been considered in the past. However, rerouting hundreds of feet of sewer line through Tully Park would require special consideration.

Instead, Dill recommended installing backflow preventors. The Public Works Director added that nearly all sewer backups in the area are caused by improperly flushed items.

Again, Dill recommended installing backflow preventors in the affected homes. However, city ordinances prohibit offering the devices to only one household. Dill said that if the city paid to install backflow preventors at the Sisneros residence, it would be obligated to provide the same for all residents.

Councilman Derek Elliott said the city must do something to prevent the sewer system from backing into residents’ homes.

Councilman Steve Sanger said the city is unable to offer backflow preventors to a single resident. By law, the city must provide the devices to any residents who request them.

Councilman Elliot said the city should take responsibility for the sewer backups if they’re caused by neglect. Councilman Sanger explained that the problem stems from improperly disposed of items, not inadequate maintenance. Sanger added that the city is legally unable to help only the Sisneros family.

Councilman Terry Patterson asked Public Works Director Dill about the aforementioned bellies in the La Paloma Drive sewer lines. Dill explained that the dips are normal for the clay pipes used in the system. However, debris, such as rags, shirts, and towels, collect in those low spots and cause backups. After the city flushes the blockage out, all the accumulated sewer water quickly flows downhill, into the Sisneros home.

Dill reiterated that the pipes function properly until residents flush debris into the system, even with the low points.

Councilman Steve Sanger asked if the city’s utilities crews could flush the La Paloma sewer lines on a weekly basis, saying that it would prevent blockages from getting too large. Public Works Director Dill said his department does not have enough employees to conduct weekly cleanings and perform their other responsibilities. Dill said city crews are already called to work on the La Paloma system often.

Additionally, Dill said that flushing the sewer line when there is no blockage can cause water to flow into residents’ homes.

Mass Grading LLC owner Kelly Brandt recommended amending the city ordinance to require backflow preventors on all newly installed and repaired sewer lines. Mayor Jacquelin Wells said she would take Brandt’s suggestion into consideration. However, the governing body did not come to a consensus on how to best prevent the recurring sewer problems on La Paloma Drive during their July 15th meeting.