Canyon Lake’s 13th alum treatment wraps up today

Canyon Lake received its 13th alum treatment this week. The main body of the lake, the East Bay and the area north of the causeway were treated. The lake remained open during the entire treatment process.

Stormwater runoff carries with it high levels of nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus that hurt water quality and threaten aquatic life. Alum, the method selected to provide the best results for Canyon Lake, has a proven track record of success and is safe for both humans and aquatic life. Drinking water quality will not be affected by any of the treatment options.

In order to comply with water quality regulations enforced by the state, through the local Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force utilizes local stakeholder funding to continue alum water treatments in Canyon Lake.

The TMDL Task Force evaluated several options during the CEQA process and determined that alum application provides the best option as a step to effectively treat the entire lake in a timely manner with minimal impact to Canyon Lake residents. For questions or more information about the alum treatment, contact Mark Norton at Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watersheds Authority at 951-354-4221 or MNorton@sawpa.org.