The CLERC Lab’s History

​Sustained Research, Community Service, & Economic Development 

Clear Lake poses distinctive and intricate water quality challenges for the community, making it essential for organizations like Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) to take action. CLERC's primary objective is to tackle these complex conditions while simultaneously promoting positive economic development in the area.

In May 2018, CLERC identified a significant issue within Lake County: the absence of an accredited environmental laboratory, which was negatively affecting the local community. In response, CLERC's board members dedicated the following months to cultivating the necessary expertise and securing the required funds to establish and manage this much-needed laboratory.

The laboratory represents a multifaceted endeavor with multiple benefits. It addresses both immediate and long-term water quality challenges that Clear Lake faces, reflecting CLERC's commitment to the community's well-being and environmental sustainability.

If you are interested in having your water tested at the CLERC Lab, please contact
the Lab Manager at:
​707-530-6251 or email lab@clerc.co

the Clerc Lab’s Goals

CLERC's initiative involves establishing a local laboratory to support drinking water and wastewater utilities in meeting regulatory standards, ultimately enhancing services for Lake County residents. This lab serves as a research hub for Clear Lake, fostering scientific exploration. Furthermore, it contributes to the local economy by generating jobs, retaining utility funding within the county, and fostering the growth of the lab analyst profession among college students. This initiative also spurs positive economic development by increasing the demand for local support and service jobs and boosting sales tax revenue in the facility's vicinity.

Immediate Needs and long Term water quality issues

  • WATER UTILITIES: TIMELY LAB RESULTS NEEDED FOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

    Drinking water and wastewater utilities are required to complete regular laboratory testing of water in order to comply with federal and state regulations. Currently there is no lab in Lake County that can perform this work.

  • CYANOBACTERIA: TOXINS BECOMING MORE WIDESPREAD

    Harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria (cyanoHABs) produce toxins under certain circumstances that are still largely unknown. These organisms have existed in Clear Lake for a long time, ​but since 2014 the occurrence of large, prolonged toxic cyanoHABs has increased in water bodies across the state.

  • LONG TERM RESEARCH

    Long term research is needed to determine the causes of Clear Lake’s challenging water quality conditions. The State of California recognized this with the recently passed AB 707, 2017, which created the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake. ​This committee, under the CA Natural Resources Agency, will be evaluating existing scientific research as well as funding a new research projects.