The Casper Aquifer is the saturated and permeable part of the Casper Formation that can yield water to wells and springs. Water in the Casper Aquifer is contained in spaces between sand grains and in fractures. Water enters an aquifer through recharge areas. Recharge occurs when precipitation or snowmelt flows across exposed permeable parts of the aquifer or sinks into fractures or depression areas.

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• Cross-section
• Aerial view
• EAC website
• Aquifer Protection Ordinance

Details

The Casper Aquifer is a sandstone-limestone rock formation that is over 700 feet thick. The recharge area for the City is from the Laramie Range crest to the eastern border of the City. Groundwater flow direction is from east to west. 

The Casper supplies over 50% of the City of Laramie's fresh water, and 100% to many rural homeowners.

The aquifer is vulnerable to contamination because:

• It is highly faulted, fractured, and folded
• There are large areas of exposed permeable bedrock
• The recharge area is very close to withdrawal points
• I-80 road cuts expose large portions of the Casper Formation, making it vulnerable to contamination from road wastes and vehicle accident spills

Contaminants can enter the aquifer in the same manner as water. An Aquifer Protection Management Plan was written by the citizen Environmental Advisory Committee, in cooperation with the Water Outreach Coordinator.

An aquifer protection ordinance was passed by the Laramie City Council on October 15, 2002.

Protecting the aquifer is something everyone can help with. 

• Take your used motor oil to a recycling center. 
• Properly abandon and seal old wells. 
• Maintain your septic system. 
• Properly store and dispose of household hazardous waste.
• Report illicit dumping.