Work underway on new water load-out system

WORLAND - Work is in full swing for the new water crane/bulk water load-out at Railway and Russell

Public Works Superintendent Brian Burky said the new system will be up and running in the spring, but hopefully sooner than that.

He said the city is saving money by having the city crews do the prep work and installation of the new system. However, that means that the installation will take longer with crews working on the project only as time allows. This winter priority is devoted to addressing any water leaks that may occur, as well as any snow removal required.

The current water crane/bulk water load-out near the city shop at 101 Grace is "very old and breaks down frequently," Burky said, adding that the city will keep it until it no longer feasible to repair it and keep it going.

He said it is used by contractors, oil field workers, ag producers and others needing potable water supply.

The city was looking for a new location because the current location is less than ideal. When the crane is busy and the street is busy, especially during sugar beet harvest season, it creates traffic issues.

With a new location it is better to replace the old system rather than move it. "It's old and becoming unreliable," Burky said.

During a council meeting in the spring Burky told the council, "We did find a piece of vacant land, along railroad tracks and the truck route on North Railway Avenue."

The city and Big Horn Cooperative worked on a long-term agreement.

"It will be a very nice improvement to the town. We are frequently getting calls on the weekend that the water crane is down. We have good water and lots of it," Burky said. "It will mean a lot for businesses to have ready access."

He added, "This is a way better location, it's along the truck route and there is a larger area."

There will be a double load-out area so that people needing a small amount of water can use the two-inch supply load-out area and for those needing larger amounts can use a three-inch supply.

The new system and area will make it better and safer for the public.