City and SAWSJPB Sponsor Level II Study for Long-Term Water

The City of Sheridan and the Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board (SAWSJPB) are jointly sponsoring an application for a Wyoming Water Development Commission Level II Study to evaluate Lake DeSmet as a potential long-term water supply for Sheridan, SAWSJPB and other stakeholders with similar interests. 

During an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan City Council Member Andrew Patceg and Utilities Director Dan Roberts said if approved, the study would be funded 100% by the Wyoming Water Development Commission and would examine whether Lake DeSmet can support future regional water needs.

D. Roberts

Roberts said a Level II Study is designed to define viable project options that could eventually advance into a Level III construction project through the commission. The study will explore available water rights and the ability to obtain them, general engineering feasibility to supply water to multiple stakeholders, estimated construction costs and long-term operations and maintenance costs to determine whether proposed projects would be sustainable at a reasonable rate for each stakeholder group.

The study would also analyze potential governance structures following a possible construction, funding requirements and options for fully financing project(s) and projected timelines and implementation plans. 

Patceg said this effort is part of long-range planning to ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for the community and surrounding partners.