Pipe


Last summer, while trekking around Ames Monument and Vedauwoo, my curiosity was aroused by these pipes sticking out of the ground.  They emerged periodically across the prairie and though I'm sure they've always been there, it was only this time that I really noticed - and wondered - what they were. 

At certain intervals the pipes were accompanied by a sign like this - Signeven then, I really didn't believe there could be a water pipeline clear out there.  After all, where would it be going?

Imagine my surprise when I googled  "B.O.P.U." and  found not only was it, indeed, a water pipeline but also a major source of water to the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, 40 miles to the east.

(http://www.cheyennecity.org/MediaCenter.aspx?CID=Water-Department-1#player)

Though this explanation doesn't explain these odd pipes, further research found that pipes, or vents, such as these could serve one of two purposes:

           a) ventilation system for water pipes
        b) inflow preventer for water pipes

More technical than I could have imagined! 

Here is a link that explains it better:     http://www.valmatic.com/pdfs/ProtectingDrinkingWaterPipelines.pdf

Or,the ultra-brief explanation:

An Inflow Preventer is a mechanical device mounted on the outlet of an air valve or vent pipe to allow normal flow of air in and out of the water system and prevent inflow of contaminated water into a water system as a result of flooding or malicious tampering  [Landon, Phillip, “An Introduction to Inflow Prevention,” Pumps & Systems, March, 2006].

So, take a look at the everyday things you drive by - perhaps there's a whole story behind them as well!

Laramie panoramic

 
This post has been included in Wyoming Real Estate News Albany County, WY Real Estate News Laramie, WY Real Estate News
Post is included in group: WeBlog Anything (almost)!
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVERAIN
Post is included in group: Americana
Post is included in group: ActiveRainPhotoBlogger

9 Comments on Laramie, Wyoming Real Estate: What is this?

MAR
07
2012

Hi Brenda, Thanks for the very interesting post. It's nice to occasionally get some education on something besides Real Estate.
9:19pm • #1
MAR
08
2012
390,099 Points Outside Blog

Plenty of big cities have long, large pipelines bringing them more water. Same as the huge overhead power lines.

Interesting posts, btw.
6:48am • #2
167,145 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Wayne, It always just amazes me all the things in the world that I know nothing about ! :-)

Hi Than - I'll bet there are all kinds of industrial looking gadgets in unexpected places in the more populated places....
10:00am • #3
731,237 Points 103 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Brenda - Thanks for the explanation. I've seen these as I've driven in the area and always wondered what they were.
11:42am • #4
1,092,398 Points 201 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Barbara, I am with you wondering what these pipes could have been. I guess it makes sense that they are vent pipes for water lines but you have to wonder how far they go down and what the pipes look like that they are connected to.
6:27pm • #5
MAR
09
2012
167,145 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hello, Dick - Makes me wonder where your water comes from - besides Horsetooth Reservoir.....

Hi William Jackson (LOL) - I guess on this particular pipeline some sections of it has pipes that are 30 inches in diameter - that's big!
7:58am • #6
MAR
10
2012
229,889 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

I think they're ventilation pipes for the underground network where the government keeps the aliens. Seriously.
12:20pm • #7
MAR
12
2012
167,145 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Tim - Only people from Wyoming are supposed to know about that......
12:52pm • #8
MAR
30
2012
229,889 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

I've always wondered what purpose the old tire has around the sign post in your second picture. I mean, beside breeding mosquitos... Maybe it's to keep the bunny rabbits from bumping their heads on the 4x4 post? Is there a department in charge of putting old tires on sign posts? Who does that, anyway?
11:26am • #9


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Brenda_46 Rainmaker_large

Brenda Whitman, Associate Broker, Laramie, Wyoming

Laramie, WY

More about me…

CENTURY 21 Real Estate Center, Inc., Laramie, Wyoming

Address: 2900 Grand Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82070

Office Phone: (307) 742-2289

Cell Phone: (307) 399-5477

Email Me



Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find WY real estate agents and Laramie real estate on ActiveRain.