The water board just adopted stricter pollution limits to help keep the city's historic lake healthy.
LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The Santa Ana Water Board has adopted stricter limits on pollution in the hopes of curbing harmful algae blooms in Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake.
“This significant step reflects our commitment to improve water quality and protect the beneficial uses of these vital waterbodies in the San Jacinto River watershed,” said regional board Chair Kristine Murray.
For decades, algae blooms have bedeviled experts and officials, who have been working to limit the spread of toxic algal growth. These booms have been known to kill marine life by limiting oxygen in the environment.
Such algae is also harmful to humans and has forced Riverside County to post advisories, advising the public to stay out of areas where blooms are present.
The lakes in western Riverside County have long dealt with toxic blooms fueled by excessive nutrient runoff from residential lawns and agricultural farms, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus.
The Santa Ana Water Board first set pollution limits for Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake back in 2004. On July 25, officials updated those limits to better control the levels of nutrients that cause water quality problems.
The changes include new targets for things like algae (measured as chlorophyll-a), ammonia, and oxygen levels in the water. These steps aim to reduce pollution coming from both outside the lakes, like urban runoff, and inside the lakes, such as built-up nutrients in the lakebed.
The new plan is the result of extensive scientific research that involved a joint effort of multiple agencies, the board said in a news release.
“These lakes are central to the identity and quality of life in our region,” said Bob Magee,chair of the watershed authority. "This revised TMDL is more than a regulatory update. It’s a foundation for restoration, resilience and renewed recreational opportunity."
To put the new pollution limits into action, officials outlined a plan with clear tasks and timelines. It includes continued efforts to reduce nutrient pollution, projects like the Lake Elsinore Aeration and Mixing System, alum treatments in Canyon Lake, and ongoing water quality monitoring.
The city of Lake Elsinore has also stepped in in recent years to help restore and preserve the lake so it is safe to use.
In February 2024, the city installed its first Nanobubble Barge, built and operated by Moleaer Inc. The barge injects "nanobubbles" into the lake, which helps remove contaminants like algae toxins, pathogens and other harmful material.
After seeing improvements to the water quality, the City Council approved the purchase of two more barges in October 2024.
The lake has been enjoyed recreationally for more than 100 years. In the 1920s, residents flocked to the lake to enjoy boat races. It was also used as a training ground for Olympic swim teams.
"Just as oxygen is vital to human health, it is crucial for the health of our lake," said Lake Elsinore Mayor Steve Manos. "By increasing the oxygen levels, we're enabling our beloved lake to begin healing itself."