COMPLETED: 4 air-vaccum valves replaced in 2022

Our transmission system includes 94 air-vacuum valves, many of which are showing signs of age. These valves are critical for ensuring water flow remains smooth and uninterrupted. However, as they deteriorate, problems like air pockets and inefficient water movement can arise.

Four air-vaccum valves were replaced during the critical water event in 2022. Installing these valves involved temporarily shutting off water from the springs to the water treatment plant. During this time, we relied on water from our Nugget Well formation and supplemented it with storage water from the Peaking Reservoir to meet the demand for our Rawlins and Sinclair customers.

Overcoming supply chain issues in 2022

The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic added a layer of complexity to our work. Material shortages caused delays, with some repair components taking months to procure. For instance, sourcing a critical pipe required days of calls before locating it in stock in Salt Lake City, leading our team to make a special trip to retrieve it. Similarly, obtaining six new air-vacuum valves involved extensive outreach to vendors nationwide, with delivery dates ranging from overnight to 10 days. To prevent future disruptions, we’ve made a proactive decision to stockpile essential materials for spring line repairs, helping us stay ahead of supply chain issues.

What's next?

We are performing ongoing assessments and regularly remove sediment from the air-vacuum valve vaults.

The city is working to secure funding for the rest of the repairs to the transmission line, (including replacing the air-vaccum valves) which cost an estimated $5.7 million according to the 2024 Wyoming Water Development Commission Level I Study.