Rawlins secures $2.8M grant for critical pipeline repairs

In November 2024, the Wyoming Water Development Commission awarded the City of Rawlins $2.8 million as a 50% grant match to help replace key infrastructure along the Sage Creek Transmission Line.

This funding will help Rawlins address the cathodic protection system, aging blowoff valves, air-vacuum valves, and other ancillary items crucial to maintaining and protecting Rawlins' drinking water supply. Total repairs are estimated to cost $5.7 million, according to the 2024 Wyoming Water Development Commission Level I Study. The city is working to secure the rest of the funding.

Surveying, permitting and design for the project are scheduled for 2025, contingent on securing the rest of the funding. 

The Sage Creek Transmission Pipeline transports drinking water from the Sage Creek Basin and Nugget Aquifer to the city. Spanning over 32 miles, the pipeline carries water through the springs, past the treatment plant, and into the city's distribution systems. However, the 25.2 miles of steel transmission line, built in the late 1980s, now requires urgent repairs.

Overall, the transmission line does not need to be replaced, but repairs are needed.

Cathodic Protection System

The cathodic protection system, crucial for preventing rust damage to the steel pipeline, has been inactive for years, putting the pipeline at risk of corrosion and potential failure. The system does not have a sufficient anode bed drilled into the ground to complete the electrical circuit. The pipeline is corroding and will continue to do so until the cathodic protection system is repaired.

Blowoff Assemblies in Poor Condition

Blowoff valves must be exercised regularly to ensure they are operational and flush any sediment trapped inside the valve. The valves have sediment buildup and corrosion. Rawlins cannot currently utilize these valves due to their precarious condition. Catastrophic failure of one of the blowoffs could cut off our well and spring water supply to the treatment plant, as well as wash out the pipeline or road.

Air-Vacuum Valves Need Repair

Aging 94 air-vacuum valves are causing potential air pockets and inefficient water flow, with several failed valves still awaiting replacement. All will likely need to be replaced.