𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮. – Sheridan Media

In recent years, the City of Sheridan has proactively developed emergency response plans to mitigate the impact of events like the Elk Fire on city infrastructure. Recognizing the unpredictability of the Elk Fire, we are now devoting additional resources to protect our water treatment facilities and ensure the integrity of our freshwater system.

City staff have removed additional vegetation around the Big Goose Water Treatment Plant and intake site to reduce the risk of fire. In an intensive collaborative effort, the U.S. Forest Service has committed additional resources to protect this important facility to ensure the continued supply of clean water to Sheridan Area Water System (SAWS) residents and customers. Additionally, the Elk Fire Incident Command has prioritized the entire water system to protect infrastructure.

The Sheridan Water Intake supplies water to both the Big Goose and Sheridan Water Treatment Plants, which in turn provide fresh water to residents of the City of Sheridan and SAWS customers. The facility is capable of, and is expected to be capable of, providing a continuous supply of water to the Sheridan Plant regardless of the impacts of the Elk Fire. The Big Goose water treatment plant is positioned to minimize the risk of fire and can be remotely controlled with redundant systems. Should it fail, the impact will be minimal as the Sheridan Water Treatment Plant is capable of returning water to Beckton Hall Road.

While the freshwater treatment system is not currently in danger, the City of Sheridan is taking precautions to ensure a calm and organized response should the facilities be compromised.

There is currently no obligation for residents to take any special measures. However, we encourage residents to remain vigilant and consult local media sites throughout the weekend and the Sheridan County website as information is updated.

The City of Sheridan and all of its partner organizations are committed to providing updates as more information becomes available to ensure you remain informed of the situation.

We appreciate the public's attention and thank everyone for their cooperation in this effort. If we work together, we will emerge stronger than ever as a resilient community.