Wyoming Framework Water Plan - Living Rivers Home Page

7.0 AVAILABILITY
Since the early 1970s many areas in Wyoming have converted to sprinkler irrigation. Utilization
of hand lines or wheel lines has been replaced by use of center pivot systems. Sprinkler design and
efficiency have also increased over time with the use of low energy consuming or low pressure
application systems. For the most part, the conversion from flood to sprinkler irrigation has had a
positive effect, as crop yields have increased considerably. Also, more acres of cropland can be irrigated
late in the summer when there is less water available. However, some positive aspects of flood irrigation
have been reduced with the conversion to sprinkler irrigation, such as groundwater recharge, reduction of
peak runoff, and enhanced late season flow due to late season irrigation return flows.
7.3.3 Industrial Water Conservation
Industrial water use is very important as industry employs a significant percent of the state’s work
force and generates a large portion of the state’s payroll. Conservation by industry differs by industrial
sector.
In the case of cooling water, a means of conserving water is dry cooling. As with many of the
other conservation measures, dry cooling comes at a cost both in construction and efficiency. In some
sectors, reuse of water may be a conservation measure.
The other major industrial water use category is for process water. Conservation in an industrial
process may be tied to major redesign of the particular industrial or manufacturing process. These
changes are industrial sector-specific as well as individual plant-specific.
7.3.4 Municipal Water Conservation
Municipal water use is a significant use of water in the state following agricultural and industrial
water use. Water conservation measures have been implemented by some of the municipalities in
Wyoming; however, it has not been a major focus in all areas of the state.
Conservation measures generally consist of individual customer meters that track actual water
use. Meters can also help determine if there are major losses in the distribution system through leaks.
Many municipalities meter their public water systems, but some systems do not and have little or no
incentive to conserve water. The expense of installing meters can be seen as prohibitive, and is unpopular
politically. Also, some systems encourage water use during the winter months to prevent frozen pipes.
Some systems are requiring meters on new hookups and considering phasing in metering for the existing
population.
7.3.5 Recreational and Environmental Water Conservation
A growing amount of water use in the state is related to recreational and environmental uses.
While these are generally nonconsumptive uses, water is still key to many of these activities. Various
wetland and riparian enhancement projects have been conducted throughout the state over the years.
While these projects do not necessarily conserve water, they do conserve or enhance habitat for fish,
waterfowl, and other animals. Water utilized for wetlands may also be considered conservation of bird or
fish habitat, although more water is used than if the wetland was not maintained. Also, the USBR has
agreed to maintenance flows at some USBR dams in order to provide sufficient flow for fish during the
winter months or other periods of aquatic concern.
Water storage can serve an important role in meeting these water needs by providing increased
management of the available water supply for these uses. Storage can also serve to conserve water by
meeting the needs of the resource while holding over surplus water for later use.
7-17