CLIENT: Wyoming Water Development Commission
DATE: 1997
SPONSOR: City of Riverton, WY
SERVICES PROVIDED:
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Service Area Delineation and Evaluation of Water Demand
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Evaluation of Ground and Surface Water Supply Alternatives
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Water Rights Evaluation
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Conceptual Design and Cost Estimates for Improvements
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Treatment Evaluation and Distribution System Modeling
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Public Hearings
The City of Riverton, in the mid 1990s, began experiencing water demands that were in excess of the city’s treatment plant capacity. The city is also surrounded by private water districts that, it was felt, may eventually be requesting service. The city also had questions as to the adequacy of their transmission lines. In 1996, the city requested that the Water Development Commission assist in developing a Water Master Plan to address these and other questions.
James Gores and Associates along with Wester-Wetstein and TST of Denver assembled a Regional Water Supply Master Plan. The planning has quantified the area’s water supply needs through the year 2025 including those of the 15 private districts surrounding the city. The plan also addressed Riverton’s system deficiencies and prioritized their correction. To thoroughly review the needs of the area, several public meetings were held to discuss water supply issues, particularly those of the private districts. To assure good public participation, we mailed meeting notices to all private districts and members of the public who had asked to be on the mailing list.
The plan includes a review and capacity modeling of the area’s groundwater aquifer. This modeling helped determine the capacity of the aquifer and the siting of future wells. Riverton is fortunate to have a dual source of supply, groundwater, and surface water.
Modeling of the distribution system showed it to be adequate for current demands, but that it will experience transmission capacity shortages by the year 2025.
Other highlights that came out of the study are:
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The city has ample water rights to meet future needs.
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Additional wells could be constructed with only minor effects on the groundwater table.
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The city has some 14 miles of 3" and 4" distribution lines that need to be replaced.
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The water treatment plant’s capacity can be increased by nearly 50% for a nominal cost.
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The city’s water rates will not have to be significantly increased to accomplish the needed improvements.