Groundwater Quality
The best quality groundwater is usually derived closest to the geologic outcrop areas of each aquifer. Generally, the water quality of groundwater derived from each aquifer is variable and dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not necessarily limited to, distance from the recharge area, aquifer transmissivity and storage, groundwater flow rates, aquifer rock type, dissolution of soluble salts within the aquifer matrix, and leakage of poor quality water into the aquifer from adjacent units.

Groundwater Development
Most of total permitted groundwater use in the Lower Laramie River subbasin is for agricultural, municipal, industrial, and domestic purposes. Agriculture use, especially for irrigation, accounts for approximately 95 percent of total permitted groundwater use in the subbasin. Municipal wells are the second largest permitted groundwater user at over 2 percent of total permitted subbasin use. Three municipal and one community public water systems are located in this area. Permitted industrial groundwater use in the subbasin is at approximately 2 percent of the total permitted subbasin groundwater use and is primarily for coal-fired electric power production near Wheatland. Domestic use is a minor component of permitted groundwater use in the Lower Laramie River subbasin.

Platte County Control Area
On February 1, 1982, the State Board of Control in Water Division No. 1 established the Platte County Control Area due to development in the Wheatland-Dwyer Junction area of the County. The portion of the Platte County Control Area located in the Lower Laramie River subbasin can be seen by clicking here. A Control Area Advisory Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Wyoming State EngineerÆs Office concerning any new development of high capacity wells, enlargements of existing permitted wells, or placing new lands under irrigation within the Control Area. Within this subbasin, the Platte County Control Area will play a role in the development of future high capacity wells.