DO YOU NEED WATER?
A reminder that water is available from Johnson County for industrial (including construction), agriculture, municipal and other uses. Please contact the Lake DeSmet Operating Department at lakedesmet@nulljohnsoncowy.us or call 307-620-1924 for further information.
Department Information
The Lake DeSmet Operating Department was created by the Johnson County Commissioners through Resolution #467 on January 8, 2013. The “Operating Department” is responsible for the operation and management of the Lake DeSmet Reservoir.
Johnson County is responsible for 68.27% of the annual operation and maintenance costs associated with the Lake DeSmet Reservoir. Sasol Synfuels International Pty Ltd, owner of the M&M Ranch, is responsible for the remaining 31.73%. The Lake DeSmet Operating Department and Sasol work cooperatively to develop sustainable operation and maintenance plans for Lake DeSmet.
Staff
Linda Greenough – County Commissioner
76 N Main St
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-7555
lgreenough@nulljohnsoncowy.us
Cheryl Benner – Operations Manager
325 Butte St
Buffalo, WY 82834
(307) 684-2262
(307) 620-1924
lakedesmet@nulljohnsoncowy.us
Harvey Crowe – Operations Consultant
Applications & Forms
Regulations & Resolutions
The Lake DeSmet Reservoir & Shoreline Protection Regulations were approved on May 5, 2015 by the Johnson County Commissioners.
Lake DeSmet Reservoir Water Levels
The water level at Lake DeSmet Reservoir as of October 1, 2021 was 4609.24 ft. elevation.
Interesting Facts
- The Maximum Depth of Lake DeSmet is 120 feet.
- The Intake Tunnel is 8.5 feet in diameter and 8316 feet long.
- The Earliest Priority for storage of water in Lake DeSmet dates back to 1906.
- The Lake DeSmet Reservoir capacity is 234,987 acre feet.
Click below to see a schematic diagram of water rights pertaining to Lake DeSmet.
Schematic Diagram