Draft results of a hydrogeologic study in Laramie County indicate that water is being used at different rates, in different parts of the county.

The State Engineer’s office undertook the study because of water shortages in the area. They wanted to find out why water levels have been declining, and whether the drawdowns are equally bad everywhere.

State Engineer Pat Tyrrell says what they’ve found so far is somewhat reassuring.

“It does appear that most of the drawdown issues are localized,” Tyrrell said. “And that’s a good result to know.”

Tyrrell says next, they’ll try to extrapolate how the water supply would fare given different scenarios of future development and population growth. Based on that modeling, Tyrrell will work with water users to come up with a water management plan for the area.

The Engineer’s Office is hosting a public meeting in Cheyenne on Friday to discuss the study.