World War II era water infrastructure threatens Loyalton with water restrictions. A special meeting was held on November 2nd to create an ad hoc committee and discuss short and long-term solutions to the problem that has plagued the town for months. Because of the aging water system, multiple leaks are springing up, with one significant leak recently repaired, stopping over 100,000 gallons of water per day from draining into the ground.
Now the town faces a second leak releasing 20,000 gallons of water daily. Contractors are attempting to place a sleeve over the leak to stop it with help from an 80,000-dollar emergency grant from the State’s Department of Water Resources. Mayor Sarah Jackson says more funding is needed.
A town hall will be held this evening at 6:30 at City Hall to hopefully build a committee to tackle the process of funding the money to repair the system before spring and summer when water demands increase. The town halls will continue each month, says Mayor Jackson is hoping to find grant writers and managers with experience as the city has only two staff members, one part-time and one full-time.
Mayor Jackson’s concern rests in if the problem cannot be significantly resolved before spring, there won’t be enough water pressure to supply homes and ranches, forcing strict water restrictions.
The town is already operating under reduced pump capacity from the main well to prevent the emergence of more leaks.
For now, the mayor seeks the communities help to join minds and experience to get the job done.
