The community of Clancy established a water and sewer district in 2015 to address infrastructure issues within the community, specifically wastewater issues at the time. The community does not have a central water or wastewater systems, and all 107 households are on individual wells and septic systems.

Testing has indicated elevated nitrate concentrations and positive bacteria tests on a number of individual wells. Twenty (20) individual wells were sampled, fourteen (14) showed elevated nitrate levels, two (2) of which have levels at greater than 10 mg/l, which is the maximum contaminant limit established by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Also, seven (7) of the well water samples have had a positive test for coliform bacteria.

The suspected cause of the high nitrate and bacteria levels is the high density of individual septic systems contaminating the drinking water wells.  Excessive nitrate levels in the water is a public health and safety concern for the community and needs to be addressed. The PER evaluated alternatives to protect public health and safety and install a system that will better manage the community’s water supply.

The recommended improvements described in the PER include construction of a new centralized water system including a new groundwater supply source, distribution system, and water storage tank.