Policy inadequacies in groundwater use: A case study in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming

The state of Wyoming’s water policies and their enforcement are not adequate to protect its groundwater sources and ensure sustainable groundwater supplies into the future. The management of groundwater that supplies Gillette, Wyoming provides one case that demonstrates this regulatory inadequacy. This study is an analysis of state groundwater use policy in Wyoming. It seeks to identify shortfalls and recommend methods of ameliorating them to better insure the future of Wyoming groundwater supplies.;Chapter 1 of this study is an explanation of Wyoming Water Law. Chapter 2 presents the groundwater problems faced by the city of Gillette, which lies within the Powder River Basin. An analysis of these problems within the context of Wyoming’s existing water policies helps determine areas where improvements in policy or enforcement are needed. To evaluate how the identified gaps in Wyoming’s policy might be bridged, Chapter 3 includes a comparative analysis of water management policies in other Western states against those of Wyoming. Based upon the case study of Gillette and the comparative analysis with other states, Chapter 4 is a presentation of conclusions and four management recommendations for ameliorating the inadequacies in Wyoming’s groundwater use policies. The recommendations resulting from this study include: creating a more robust tracking system for groundwater use and availability, enforcing current Groundwater Control Area policy, more clearly defining key groundwater use policy terms—particularly the public interest and beneficial use, and finding a better balance between regulatory discretion—meant to allow flexibility for change—and statutory guidance.