Canyon Lake Dam inspection opens valves; could stink

The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, which owns Canyon Lake’s lake and dam, is conducting tests this week and again on Feb. 8 of the Canyon Lake Dam’s outlet valves.

The water district warns that the result of the release of water through these valves is a foul sulfuric or “rotten egg” odor.

The routine inspection of the valves will first occur and when the valve inspections are complete, the valves will be opened to ensure proper operation. This will result in a brief release of water that will flush loose sediment and organic materials from the lake bottom. These are naturally occurring decaying materials, and they may release a sulfuric odor. This occurrence is completely normal and should subside within a few hours, Beatriz Cornejo, EVMWD Community Affairs Specialist, said.

The Canyon Lake Dam valves, lower left, are opened Wednesday morning to ensure their proper operation and to allow silt on the bottom of the lake to escape. Photo provided by EVMWD

The water released from the valves will flow into the riverbed below the dam. The process will not impact the water district customers’ water service. The inspections will allow EVMWD to observe and ensure proper function of any components of the mechanical systems.

The first round of tests took place on Wednesday and will be repeated early next month.

Sometimes mistaken as ‘flood gates’, these valves located at the base of Canyon Lake Dam, are essential for emergency procedures and for releasing sediment.

“Periodic operation of the valves on the dam not only ensures reliability of the valves, but also has a positive impact on water quality,” Beatriz said.

“The flow from the valves creates a scouring effect that removes sediments from the lake floor near the dam and the plant intake barge.”

EVMWD provides service to over 159,000 water and wastewater customers including to most residents in Canyon Lake. It also leases the surface and shore rights to the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, which permits people to enter the lake.