The high-pressure line that carries water from the treatment plant to the in-town water tanks suffered three holes in the line this week, on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The high-pressure transmission line has been identified as a priority repair for many years due to its fragile condition. This project is on the list as Priority 1, with ideal completion within the next five years. However, the Water Fund must have enough money to secure a loan to complete this and other high-priority projects. As shown in the 2024 Water Rate Study (www.rawlinswy.gov/feestudy), we are planning for $42.2 million total in out-of-town work, including $28 million in Priority 1 Projects (pgs. 3-4) and a total debt load of $20 m (pgs. 27-28). Without an increase in revenue for the water fund, we cannot complete this high-pressure transmission line replacement or other high-priority projects.
As with any water break repair, water may appear white or cloudy due to air in the lines. All holes were repaired within a day of discovery and the tank levels have remained in the safe zone. This section of pipe has been repaired four times (three this week and one in the past) and a clamp is leaking a small amount of water, so we have scheduled to replace this section of pipe on Monday. Crews will be closely monitoring water tank levels over the weekend.
Due to the fragile condition of the high-pressure line, it may continue to have smaller breaks, requiring further clamping. In the worst-case scenario, it may have a catastrophic break. This would mean that households and businesses would rely upon the water stored in the tank until the line is repaired or other solutions are found. If water use is not limited, this could quickly lead to drained tanks. We ask our community to follow our website at www.rawlinswy.gov under “City of Rawlins News” in case of any water conservation requests or water restrictions. You can subscribe for email or text notifications at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.” If called for, your participation in water conservation, even with small changes such as shorter showers or limited irrigation, can make a big difference when done by many.
This water line, called the high-pressure transmission line, carries treated water from the treatment plant to both in-town tanks, one above the El Rancho/Hospital neighborhood and one above the Happy Hollow/Scarlet Drive neighborhood. The transmission line and high-pressure tanks provide water to approximately half of the homes and businesses in Rawlins. There are also treated water tanks, known as the Tank Farm, located near the treatment plant south of town. The high and low-pressure systems are interconnected, and the tanks can extend beyond their normal area.
For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022.
