Clay Rural Water System, Inc.

30376 SD Hwy 19

Wakonda, SD 57073

605.267.2088

History

The formation of the Clay Rural Water System was the result of a desire to obtain better quality water and to work together as a rural community.

Following an area-wide survey on water quality in January, 1975, the System was incorporated and had signed up 1,107 locations for a feasibility study by September of that same year. Five years later the System was fully operational.

A review of the significant development events of the water system:

n        Idea for System forms in 1973 and 1974 because of comments and questions regarding water sources and quality.

n        January, 1975: Area-wide survey conducted.

n        March, 1975: Informational meetings held.

n        April, 1975: Advisory Board selected.

o         Members:

n        April 29, 1975: First organizational meeting held at 4-H Center in Vermillion with 60 rural residents in attendance. Twelve member steering committee elected, later becomes Board of Directors.

n        July 21, 1975: System becomes incorporated.

n        Summer, 1975: Board and approximately 38 volunteers assist with sign-ups for feasibility study. By September 1,017 have signed on.

n        January, 1976: Engineering Feasibility Study completed. Decision made to proceed.

n        February, 1976: Final sign-up meetings in four locations in three days yield 730 hookups. Later sign-ups bring total to 980.

n        Fall, 1976: Final engineering design.

n        Fall, 1977: Funding secured for $4.5 million.

n        April, 1978: Bids awarded, construction begins.

n        October, 1980: Construction completed. 1,050 users served.

n        August, 1982: Town of Wakonda connects.

n        1986: Added User Project adds 75 new users.

n        1988: Office and Shop building constructed.

n        1989: Original system debt refinanced, saving $2.2 million.

n        1991: Added User Project adds 75 new users.

n        1995: $1.4 million water plant improvement project.

n        1996: Town of Gayville connects.

n        1997: Added User Project adds 175 users.

n        1999: Third well, storage building constructed.

n        2001: Added User Project adds 65 new users.

n        2005: Greenfield Supply Project adds 15 miles of new pipeline and water treatment plant/booster station.

n        2005-2006: $5.7 million South Union Project adds 300 new users, water plant and water tower.