Star Valley Ranch weighs pump replacements as springs run low, council urges voluntary conservation

Town Administrator Trevor Aiken told the council the town's main spring is producing about 220–240 gallons per minute this spring, roughly 100 gpm below a normal year, and urged the council to ask residents to voluntarily conserve water rather than immediately impose mandatory restrictions. Aiken said the town should begin outreach now because flows could decline to around 150 gpm by fall, which would “get interesting” for system operations.

Council members then focused on aging pump infrastructure at Green Canyon and other wells. Staff reported pump‑and‑motor replacement costs around $50,000 per pump (installation included) and suggested keeping spare motors on the shelf — one estimate cited a $30,000 spare for a well pump — to avoid lengthy lead times. Aiken said two pumps now would “make me sleep better at night,” while some council members preferred budgeting for two pumps now and adding a third later if needed. One council member suggested lowering the budget line from $150,000 to about $100,000 to purchase two pumps and defer the third until necessary.