Workers examine repairs in progress Tuesday in an effort to fix the leaking sewage from a pipe at the Village Way sewage pump station. Sewage spilled from the pump station and flowed into the lake at the East Bay causeway. Photo provided by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Sewage leaks into lake; some beaches closed
A 10-inch underground sewer pipe failed on Monday night near Village Way and Canyon Lake Drive South, releasing sewage into the area, including some which entered the lake, according to Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District reports.
The water district, which operates the sewage operations in Canyon Lake, was addressing the repair of the break at The Friday Flyer press deadline Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Canyon Lake POA promptly closed beaches at Holiday Harbor, Sunset Beach, and Happy Camp.
“Unfortunately, some of the released sewage entered the lake in the vicinity of the East Bay causeway,” EVMWD General Manager Greg Thomas said. “This has prompted EVMWD to collaborate closely with the Canyon Lake Property Owner’s Association. We are working together to implement water safety measures and enforce some precautionary closures.”
The damaged pipe is part of the EVMWD sewer pump station on Village Way. With some of the sewage entering the lake, the Canyon Lake POA is warning residents to refrain from any bodily contact with the water in the areas of the closed beaches. The water there, as of Wednesday, may contain contaminants that pose a health risk.
The water quality is being tested at multiple locations by EVMWD and its updates are being posted at www.clpoa.com/lakeconditions.
Workers examine repairs in progress Tuesday in an effort to fix the leaking sewage from a pipe at the Village Way sewage pump station. Sewage spilled from the pump station and flowed into the lake at the East Bay causeway. Photo provided by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Greg, the EVMWD General Manager, sent a release to The Friday Flyer and apologized to the community for any inconvenience the sewage leak caused.
“At EVMWD, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our community members,” Greg said. “We deeply regret the impact of the sewer leak, and we appreciate the understanding of our residents. We are actively working with the Canyon Lake POA to ensure safety measures are in place. I commend our team’s dedication to resolving this situation promptly.”
EVMWD is actively gathering water samples in partnership with the Canyon Lake POA, and Greg said an announcement regarding the status of the beach closures is anticipated by the week’s end.
“The district is committed to providing timely updates as the situation unfolds,” Greg said. “We express gratitude for the ongoing support and patience of the community.”