Water Tutorial Meeting Draws Good Crowd

A tutorial meeting organized by the Johnson County Commission to discuss water rights, issues, and explain the complex nature of them was held Wednesday night in Buffalo.

About 25 people attended to hear from and ask questions of County Planner Jim Waller, Clear Creek Conservation District Manager Zach Byrum, ans Amelia Rothleutner with the State Engineer’s Office.

Each gave presentations on water wells and septic systems and how they are permitted and inspected; the Clear Creek Watershed and proposed projects to increase water storage; and water rights within the state and region and the issues surrounding water appropriations.

County Commissioner Bill Novotny said the meeting was designed to help the public understand the complexities involved in dealing with water issues.

Novotny said more meetings on the issues surrounding water in the region will continue in the coming year with a discussion on Lake DeSmet.

Novotny hopes that the public can continue to be informed and educated and use the resources like the state engineer’s office, the Wyoming Water Development Commission, and the Lake DeSmet Operating Department to help answer their questions.

When the next tutorial meeting time and location is announced we will have that information.