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Between May 6 and May 15, 2024, the high pressure pipeline connecting the Rawlins Water Treatment Plant to in-town tanks suffered multiple breaks due to its fragile and corroded condition. This line, critical to supplying water to a significant portion of Rawlins homes and businesses, underwent immediate repairs by city crews. What does the transmission line do? This pipeline carries treated water from the treatment plant to both in-town water tanks, one above the El Rancho/Hospital neighborhood and one above the Happy Hollow/Scarlet Drive neighborhood. The 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. What happened and how was it repaired? On May 6, a fist-sized hole was discovered and temporarily clamped, with teams restoring water flow. The system remained stable thanks to community-wide water conservation efforts. Additional breaks occurred on May 10, 12, and 13, further highlighting the urgency of replacing the aging 3-mile ductile iron pipe. On May 15, approximately 30 feet of the corroded line was successfully replaced with durable PVC pipes, ensuring functionality for now. Water flow resumed, taking roughly 6–8 hours to refill the high pressure line. What are our plans for long-term solutions? The high pressure pipeline 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.   Contact Us While temporary measures are holding, the fragile pipeline remains at risk of future breaks. Residents are encouraged to stay informed via the City of Rawlins website under "City of Rawlins News." You can subscribe for email or text updates at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme to receive real-time alerts and notifications. Water users' continued participation in conservation efforts, such as limiting irrigation or reducing water usage during high-demand times, is crucial in preventing tank depletion in case of further disruptions. For additional updates or questions, contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO, at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022.

On Friday evening, January 9th, 2026, the high-pressure pipeline connecting the Rawlins Water Treatment plant to the Hospital and Painted Hills water tanks suffered a break due to it's fragile condition. This line, critical to supplying water to a significant portion of Rawlins homes and businesses, underwent immediate repairs by city crews from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. What does the transmission line do? This pipeline carries treated water from the treatment plant to both high-pressure water tanks, one above the El Rancho/Hospital neighborhood (Hospital Tank) and one above the Happy Hollow/Scarlet Drive neighborhood (Painted Hills Tank). The 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. What happened and how was it repaired? Thanks to a new monitoring and control system installed last year, Water Department staff quickly identified abnormal water loss. Crews located the break on Saturday and worked continuously for 20 hours to replace about 60 feet of twenty-inch line. Public Works staff - assisted by Parks and Community Relations - worked from Friday night through Sunday morning to restore service while keeping the community informed throughout. Because residents in the affected area conserved water, the City was able to minimize system loss until repairs were completed. The break was immediately adjacent to the break on this line in May 2024. Due to the fragility of the pipe, it was decided to replace a large portion of the line instead of clamping only the break location and risking further blow-outs on the line when water service was restored. What are our plans for long-term solutions? The high-pressure pipeline 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, before this line can be repaired, there must be an alternate way to provide water to the tanks while the repair is made. The City, in conjunction with local engineers, is currently assessing the best way to to create an alternate water source for the tanks and the most effective way to repair the high-pressure line. Thanks to our community! Notifications went out via text and email, and information posted on both the City's webpage and Facebook page asked residents to reduce water usage during the break. Water use was less than an average winter Saturday. Thank you to everyone who took short showers, postponed laundry, or otherwise conserved. If you would like to receive notices in the future, please sign up via the City of Rawlins website under "City of Rawlins News." You can subscribe for email or text updates at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme   to receive real-time alerts and notifications.

Good Morning Rawlins,   Last month, the City experienced a water break on a high-pressure transmission line that supplies water to roughly one half of our community. Thanks to a new monitoring and control system installed last year, Water Department staff quickly identified abnormal water loss. Crews located the break on Saturday and worked continuously for 20 hours to replace about 60 feet of twenty-inch line.   Because residents in the affected area conserved water, the City was able to minimize system loss until repairs were completed. Public Works staff - assisted by Parks and Community Relations - worked from Friday night through Sunday morning to restore service while keeping the community informed throughout.   Initial estimates place the cost of this single incident between $21,000 and $25,000.   Unfortunately, water breaks are not uncommon in Rawlins. The Water Department responds to approximately 30 to 40 breaks each year. Averaging roughly $6,000 per incident in labor and materials, these repairs cost the City about $210,000 annually - a pattern that has persisted for nearly a decade. This is not sustainable.   Rawlins' water system stretches more than 45 miles from springs to town to river and includes about 65 miles of in-town infrastructure. The City has taken on major projects over the last few years, completing approximately $4.2M in projects (using $2.3M in Water Funds and $1.9M in Federal and State Grants). This included replacing 10,000 feet of wood stave pipe in the springs, bringing the pretreatment plant online, installing a new monitor and control system, and adopting a comprehensive water plan.   Beginning this summer, the City will undertake two major projects to rehabilitate the fatigued 32-mile transmission line south of town at a total cost of $5.8 million. Through a combination of rate adjustments and internal savings, the City has committed $2.9 million, with the State providing a matching $2.9 million grant.   This work will be followed by improvements to the collection system at the headwaters and, ultimately, the phased replacement of in-town infrastructure including the high-pressure line, water tanks, and water mains. The estimated cost to the Water Enterprise Fund for the remaining Phase I projects in our Master Plan is over $26 million, exclusive of replacements to in-town water mains or ongoing annual operating/maintenance expenses.   Rawlins is a remarkable place to live and work. But as a high desert community, our future depends on a reliable water system. As we begin the budgeting process we will focus on adopting a fiscally conservative budget which accounts for sustaining water rates that reflect the true cost of work, and ensure the City can continue to secure outside funding and tackle these projects over time in a measured and predictable way, with lowest long term cost to the community.   I ask you please keep this in mind as City staff continue addressing these critical infrastructure needs.   Sincerely, Matt Hall Rawlins City Manager mhall@rawlinswy.gov 307-328-4500

The City of Rawlins has successfully replaced the two water supply pumps on the North Platte River, an important project that provides continued water access for both recreation and community needs. Arvada Pump of Colorado was awarded the contract following City Council review of two bids, and the project was completed in mid-June. The project included both rebuilds and full replacement of components in the two pumps, both of which had outlived their service life. The pumps supply raw water for irrigation at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course and serve as a crucial back-up water source for the City during key projects affecting the primary water system — including maintenance or improvements at the springs and on the transmission line. “These pumps will provide water to Rawlins and Sinclair when we need it, especially during upcoming large projects on our water system. They also allow the golf course to be irrigated without using treated water.” said Cody Dill, Public Works Director. “By alternating their use annually, we expect each pump to last approximately 16 years, giving the system an overall lifespan of about 30 years before a full replacement is necessary.”

The City of Rawlins is proud to announce the successful completion of a full replacement of its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for our water collection, treatment, storage, and distribution systems. The project was funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), managed by Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA), at a cost of over $960,000.00. “Completing the installation of our new SCADA system was vital for all aspects of our water and wastewater treatment. SCADA is a main staple of our water infrastructure. We now have a state-of-the-art system, instead of one that is outdated and failing,” said Cody Dill, Public Works Director. “SCADA is like the nervous system that runs our water and wastewater systems. Our pumps and filters are like the muscles and bones doing the work, while SCADA tells them to get the job done. With this new system, we can see what’s happening and have more control over our water system.” The upgrade replaces equipment that had served the community since the 1980s and was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain—sometimes requiring staff to track down replacement parts from secondary markets. The new system is American-made, not reliant on outside proprietary platforms, and backed by a plan for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.   The new SCADA system dramatically improves reliability and provides in-depth, real-time remote monitoring and control across the network, from treatment plants to water storage tanks to distribution valves. Our water system now has over a dozen SCADA locations spread from our transmission system south of town to the North Platte River to the east. Each of these SCADA locations can represent 1000s of single data and control points, making the whole system function better. For example, in the Water Treatment Plant alone, there were 1200 physical and 3000 digital connections. This allows our operators to quickly address issues, fine-tune operations, and maintain consistent service from anywhere. Work was completed by Dorsett Controls of Layton, Utah, following a competitive bidding process that met all federal and state requirements. The City of Rawlins thanks the WCDA staff who oversee the CDBG, Dorsett Controls staff, and all City staff who contributed to making this project a success.

On Feb. 4, 2025, the Rawlins City Council adopted the 2024 Rawlins Water Master Plan Level I Study, a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring the city’s water supply infrastructure can meet future demands. Funded by the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC), the state’s water planning agency, the Water Master Plan Level I Study prioritizes necessary water system improvements and enables the city to access the grants and loan program of the WWDC. Comprehensive Analysis of Rawlins Water System The Water Master Plan Level I Study provides a comprehensive analysis that: Defines the service area and provides historical and forecasted population data and information on existing water demands and forecasted water needs at the planning horizon. Provides an overview of the water resources available to the city and a condition assessment of the vast and intricate infrastructure needed to make municipal use of the resources. Presents a capital improvement plan (CIP) and recommendations for water system improvements, including considerations for financing and scheduling.  Top Priorities for Water System Improvements The study identifies four key priorities: Spring Boxes and Collection System : This project covers the replacement of Sage Creek and Beaver Creek spring boxes, spring box laterals, and collection pipelines. While 10,000 feet of the wood stave pipeline was replaced in 2022, another 20,300 feet of wood stave pipeline needs to be upgraded. An American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant is funding the design for additional improvements. Sage Creek Transmission Pipeline : This project involves rehabilitating 16 blowoffs, 90 air-vacuum stations, and four line valves. The project will also restore the cathodic protection system, which has been inoperable for several years. The WWDC has approved preliminary funding of $2.8 million. 20-Inch Ductile Iron Transmission Line : The high-pressure line from the Tank Farm to Spruce Street needs replacement unless a comprehensive condition assessment identifies a significant portion of the line as still useful and reliable. The replacement could be phased depending on funding, but it is most practical to survey, permit, and design the entire project under one contract. Tank Farm Water Storage Tanks : This project entails removing one 7.75 million gallons potable water storage tank at the Tank Farm and replacing it with a new 2 million gallon tank. Rawlins’ Water Sources and Infrastructure Rawlins relies on three municipal water supply sources: Sage Creek Springs, the Nugget Aquifer, and the North Platte River. These water sources can either be treated and used directly or stored in reservoirs for later treatment and use. Treated water is distributed to approximately 3,800 municipal water taps/accounts, serving domestic, commercial, industrial, and irrigation needs and the Town of Sinclair. The infrastructure of water collection, transmission and distribution pipelines, water treatment systems and storage tanks are vast. Some components are over 100 years old, and other components have aged to the end of their useful life. In 2020, the city began designing a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Sage Creek Springs collection system. Spot failures of the 100-year-old wood stave collection pipelines were becoming increasingly frequent, and the efficiency of spring water collection was declining. Between 2020 and early 2022, the city recognized the need for maintenance on the Sage Creek Transmission Pipeline. Leaks were observed at the blowoffs due to corrosion, and air stations were failing. Rawlins’ catastrophic failure of water service delivery systems in early 2022 highlighted the need for a comprehensive water master plan. In response to the ongoing system challenges, city staff met with Rep. Dan Hicks, who proposed funding this Water Master Plan within the 2023 Omnibus Water Bill - Planning and Administration. The legislature passed the bill, which allocated funding to the WWDC to pay for the Rawlins study. The WWDC awarded the study contract to Sheridan-based WWC Engineering in May 2023. Between May 2023 and August 2024, WWC Engineering worked closely with WWDC and city staff to prepare the plan. As part of the study, WWC Engineering performed an inventory, inspection and evaluation of the city water infrastructure and prepared conceptual designs and cost estimates for several projects. The WWDC approved the final Water Master Plan Level I Study in 2024.

The City of Rawlins has decreased irrigation of all city-owned parks and green spaces by approximately 50% and reduced daily splash pad hours by three hours, now operating from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. This decision helps prioritize critical water use while ensuring that the community’s water supply remains stable. Water flows from our springs and wells are currently holding steady at approximately 2.6 million gallons per day, which is meeting all residential, business, and essential community needs. At this time, there are no irrigation restrictions for community members. We hope to increase watering of city green spaces once our pretreatment plant comes online. Our water treatment team is in the final stages of bringing the new SCADA system online at the pretreatment plant. Once operational, the plant will be able to treat the more turbid water from the Peaking Reservoir, which is currently storing river water, thanks to the new pumps installed in June. This treated river water can then be sent through the treatment plant to help support summer irrigation needs and may allow us to expand watering of public parks. Leadership Carbon County takes a tour of the Pre-treatment Plant in Spring 2025. Residents may notice a change in the taste, smell, or feel of their water depending on the source being used. Currently, well water is contributing to increased salinity, which can soften water and make it feel slipperier. Once river water is treated and brought into the system, it may also result in changes in taste or smell due to open-air exposure and chemical treatment processes at the pretreatment plant. For the latest water flow and tank level updates, which are refreshed multiple times a week, visit www.rawlinswy.gov/waterflows  For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”

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.

The pretreatement plant was brought online during the summer of 2023 after Rawlins repaired and upgraded it, using $535,000 from the Chokecherry Impact Assistance Fund and funds from the Water Enterprise Fund. The pretreatment plant is important for Rawlins when relying on water from the North Platte River or reservoirs. The pretreatment plant also provides redundancy for the city's water supply, in the event that water is not available from the springs and wells. While its history has been marked by challenges, recent investments have helped improve this crucial infrastructure. Repairs and upgrades in 2024 The pretreatment plant still needs work to better work with the water treatment plant. Ongoing adjustments to the plant's chemical and mechanical processes will improve the plant's utility and output. History of the pretreatment plant 2000 Rawlins built the pretreatment plant in 2000 to effectively treat water from reservoirs and the North Platte River. With the pretreatment plant, the city is able to use more water from the North Platte River. 2002 The pretreatment system was discontinued in 2002 as a result of operational incompatibility with the water treatment plant. 2022 For 20 years, Rawlins had little interest in re-commissioning the pretreatment system because of ample water from the Sage Creek Basin. The city decided to bring the pretreatment plant back online after infrastructure breakdowns in March 2022 caused a water shortage and extended droughts reduced the capacity of underground springs relied on for drinking water. 2023 The city repaired and upgraded the pretreatment plant with $535,000 from the Chokecherry Impact Assistance Fund and funds from the Water Enterprise Fund. The plant was brought online in the summer of 2023.

The City of Rawlins is sponsoring a Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) Water Master Plan Level I Study. This Level I Study will provide a comprehensive water master plan to identify aging and problematic components of the water system and identify solutions for repair and replacement. The Rawlins City Council held work session to review the Draft Master Water Plan on July 9, 2024. Agenda of the council meeting   July 9, 2024 City Council Work Sesssion - YouTube recording   Rawlins’ catastrophic failure of water service delivery systems in early 2022 highlighted the need for a comprehensive water master plan. In response to the ongoing system challenges, city staff met with a state legislative representative, who proposed funding this Water Master Plan within the 2023 Omnibus Water Bill - Planning and Administration (2023 Session Laws, Chapter 186). The legislature allocated funding to the WWDC to pay for the Rawlins study. In the spring of 2023, the WWDC Rawlins Water Master Plan contract was awarded to WWC Engineering. As part of the study, WWC Engineering performed an inventory, inspection and evaluation of the city water infrastructure, and prepared conceptual designs and cost estimates for several projects. A water master plan is being prepared with input from the city and the Wyoming Water Development Office. The city has sponsored several WWDC studies over time. The most recent Water Master Plan was completed in 2010, with a Level I Study of operations completed in 2013.

During Labor Day weekend, Rawlins faced a challenge when six water breaks occurred due to the city's aging infrastructure and a slightly elevated pressure event. Despite undergoing regular maintenance, a pressure-reducing valve failed. Although pressure remained within normal limits, due to our aging infrastructure, breaks occurred at weak points. What Happened and Where? Here’s an overview of the breaks and the work done to address them throughout the weekend: Saturday:    Front Street (7th to 9th Streets):  A six-foot water line split was repaired, along with six feet of sewer line. Crews worked from 3 PM Saturday to 6:30 AM Sunday to complete this repair. Sunday:    Crews worked from 8:30 AM Sunday until 1 AM Monday, repairing five breaks in total: Edinburgh (North of Inverness):  Three holes in the line were repaired with permanent clamps. Murray (Near Sigma):  Two holes were repaired with clamps after water restoration caused further issues. Between Bomgaars and Econolodge:  A ten-foot lateral break required 35 feet of pipe replacement. Inverness (Near Dundee):  A hole in the line was fixed with a permanent repair clamp. Harshman (North of Murray):  A significant 12-inch line with an 8-foot lateral break required the replacement of 10 feet of pipe. Monday & Tuesday:    Work continued across several sites, completing repairs on Edinburgh, Inverness, Murray, and Harshman. Crews worked late into the night each day, restoring water to affected areas while simultaneously backfilling the excavation sites. Here’s how repairs are handled A single water break repair involves multiple detailed steps and a coordinated effort, including: Locating Utilities:  Ensuring there are no conflicts with gas or electric lines by obtaining 811 locates from other utilities such as gas and electric Identify: Identify the specific break location and type. Excavating the site:  Safely exposing the break. Repairing the break:  Determining the extent of damage and replacing or clamping the pipe. Restoring water service:  Testing for functionality and monitoring for additional leaks. Backfilling:  Finally, the site is covered for stability. This process typically involves 3–5 crew members working 8–20 hours per break, depending on the severity. Securing dependable access to drinking water In 2022 and 2024, water rates were increased to help fund infrastructure, equipment, and the staff necessary for a functioning water system. You can find extensive information on these water rate increases and the full financial studies that led to them at www.rawlinswy.gov/feestudy  These increases have allowed the City to budget more funds than in the past for repairing both out-of-town and in-town water infrastructure. The City is also exploring funding options for infrastructure repairs, including significant grants and loans from multiple sources. However, with needs amounting to $60 million in water repairs, we cannot make them overnight. How you can help The resilience of our water system also depends on the strength of our team. Currently, only four of nine Utility Division positions are filled, meaning every new hire impacts our ability to respond to issues efficiently. If you’re looking for meaningful work with competitive pay—starting at $18.41/hour—and excellent benefits, consider joining our dedicated team. Learn more and apply at www.rawlinswy.gov/jobs . How to contact us and stay informed Lastly, all staff members who typically post updates on water breaks could not post due to travel. The City will train more backup staff to keep the essential updates posted on our website and Facebook. These are typically posted between 7 am and 8 pm and contain the location of the break and area affected, followed by an update when the repair is completed. The City occasionally also posts information about break type or repair progress, but this is not usually feasible as the crews focus on making the repairs and do not send updates at each step. Sign up for general updates: If you’d like to stay informed about water-related updates, sign up for email or text notifications at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme . Confirming location of water breaks: Residents can call the Finance Utilities Clerk at 307-324-4501 or Public Works at 307-328-4599 during regular work hours to confirm the location of water breaks. After hours, residents can call the RPD Dispatch line at 307-328-4530. Gratitude for our community and work crews Thank you to all the City staff who worked to restore water to residents. Many worked for over three days straight, only took breaks as required, and often worked until 1 am or later and returned first thing in the morning. Thank you also to the affected residents for their patience, especially those who stopped by to thank and support the crews in their long hours of work. The City of Rawlins is committed to overcoming challenges, working hand-in-hand with our community to create a more secure future.

Rawlins and neighboring Sinclair faced a severe water crisis in March 2022. A critical infrastructure failure led to depleted water tanks and a boil-water advisory, underscoring the fragility of the area’s aging water system. Here's a look back at the crisis, the community's response, and plans to secure a sustainable water future. What Happened During the Critical Water Event? On March 3, 2022, residents of Rawlins and Sinclair were alerted about dangerously low water levels in the city’s tanks. Compounding problems with decaying infrastructure and unexpected leaks had drastically reduced water flow to the treatment plant. A key pipeline failure, combined with unprepared response capacities, led to a loss of water pressure, necessitating an EPA-mandated boil water advisory. The warnings required residents to conserve water immediately, but it took days to restore supply levels. Water tank levels dropped so critically that even life-essential services were at risk, putting a spotlight on just how strained the local water infrastructure had become. A Community United During this ordeal, the community demonstrated incredible resilience and cooperation. Volunteers, local officials, and emergency services worked around the clock to ensure that everyone had access to essential water supplies. Emergency alerts, social media updates, and water distribution efforts kept stakeholders informed and supported. Organizations like the Red Cross, local churches, and private businesses contributed resources, mobilizing to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Over 99,000 bottles of water were distributed, and emergency call centers staffed by volunteers helped disseminate advisories and updates. Through coordinated conservation efforts, tank levels slowly rose. By mid-March, water services stabilized, and the boil water advisory was lifted. Challenges Exposed This event revealed several vulnerabilities in the water system: Aging Infrastructure : The Sage Creek transmission pipeline, coupled with over 100-year-old wood stave pipelines in Sage Creek Springs, were in dire need of replacement due to leaks and corrosion. Lack of Modern Maintenance : Air-vacuum valves and blowoff valves critical to maintaining water flow had not been properly maintained or replaced in decades. Supply-Demand Gaps : While summer water usage skyrocketed to 4-6 million gallons daily, the water treatment plant struggled to treat turbid reservoir water and meet demand. While interim repairs were made, systemic issues remained, with experts warning that a fully updated system would take 3-5 years to implement. Infrastructure Updates A critical focus for Rawlins was upgrading its aging water infrastructure to ensure a stable water supply. Key projects included: Pipeline Replacement : Work was done to replace 10,000 feet of the woodstave pipeline in the Sage Creek Basin with a new PVC pipeline to improve water flow and reliability. While the transition encountered setbacks, such as turbid water flow and valve failures, the shift to PVC was a significant step forward. Pretreatment Plant : Repairs and equipment replacements at the Pretreatment Plant continued to address water quality and treatment challenges. Although the reactivation of the plant did not occur during this watering season, it was seen as a vital piece of the city's long-term water strategy. Steel Pipeline Repairs : The design and construction of blowoffs and cathodic protection for the Sage Creekl transmission line were being reviewed. Repairs would extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure. Water Restrictions Conservation efforts became a necessity as the city struggled to maintain adequate tank levels due to reduced spring flows: Outdoor irrigation was limited to once per week, with further restrictions during critical periods. Lawns were deprioritized in favor of gardens and trees, and parks ceased watering entirely at times. Residents were encouraged to adopt water-saving practices such as limiting laundry and dishwashing to reduce strain on the supply. Funding Efforts To finance these repairs and improvements, Rawlins actively pursued funding through various grants and loans: A $675,000 State Land and Investment Board (SLIB) grant was secured for steel pipeline repair designs. Additional grant applications, including a $7.5 million ARPA Stimulus Grant and USDA Rural Development loan, were in progress. These funds would help tackle larger projects like spring box replacement and other major repairs. The city allocated funds internally, using impact assistance from local industries and loans to kickstart projects while awaiting external funding. Engaging the Community Transparency and public participation were central to Rawlins' response to these challenges: A Water Rate Study was conducted to evaluate fair pricing for services while ensuring funds for infrastructure maintenance. Public hearings, work sessions, and surveys invited community feedback on proposed rate adjustments, which may raise the average household water bill by $20 a month. Residents were routinely updated on developments through weekly reports, live video Q&A sessions, and detailed data shared online. The city hosted town halls in collaboration with local experts to educate citizens on water conservation practices and explain ongoing restrictions. Addressing Challenges The fragility of Rawlins' water system has highlighted the dire need for widespread upgrades: Unforeseen issues like valve failures and turbid water slowed progress, while drought conditions further strained resources. Infrastructure improvements, such as the new PVC pipeline and planned cathodic protection for steel lines, promise long-term benefits but require careful planning and execution. Looking Ahead With resilience and collaboration, Rawlins is tackling its water supply and infrastructure issues head-on. Progress was made in 2022, but the road ahead still demands community cooperation and significant funding. The city is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and reliable water future by continuing to engage its citizens and prioritize essential repairs.