As summer arrives, there is no swimming allowed at Canyon Lake, officials say. A golden algae bloom combined with a massive fish die-off around the lake has led officials to the no-swimming solution, according to the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.
A recent water test revealed Vorticella, among the golden algae bloom that has led to the recent fish die-off, according to the POA.
Three independent water experts who have worked on Canyon Lake for the past decade recently addressed community concerns about current lake conditions at the Regular Session Board Meeting, which was attended by nearly 300 members, according to board president Bill Van Vleet. The water experts delivered a presentation and hosted a Q&A session.
The primary reason for the fish die-off is likely the golden algae bloom, which makes it hard for the fish to absorb oxygen through their gills, according to Canyon Lake Board President Bill Van Vleet in a recap of the recent board meeting, where the state of the lake was discussed at length. “The board and staff are working with experts and scientists are monitoring the lake.”
Though the vorticella does not have a known health risk to humans, due to the fish mortality event, “combined with an abundance of caution and guidance from GEI water consultants, residents are advised to avoid full-body contact with the lake at this time,” they announced on June 7. That day, the community came together to clean up the lake’s edge and assist in removing the dead fish from the shoreline and shallow water.
They have also advised against consuming any of the fish caught or found near the lake’s edge.
Additional water testing and fish toxicology results have not been released yet; those were expected in July. The lake will remain under advisory until further notice.
“A team of regional water quality task forces is actively developing a response plan. This includes representatives from the City of Canyon Lake, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD), Lake Elsinore San Jacinto Watershed Authority (LESJWA), Santa Ana Water Project Authority (SAWPA), and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association,” according to the FAQ page established to educate homeowners and lake users. “The Canyon Lake POA recently hired experts from GEI to provide continuing advice in developing a long-term solution. In addition, a new Lake Management Committee is being formed to support the Canyon Lake POA in these efforts.”
Daily cleanup crews will continue to remove dead fish from over 15 miles of shoreline, they said.
“Residents can request pickup of bagged fish from their docks or driveways. The community is urged to remain patient as conditions are expected to improve with warmer weather.”
No additional information was immediately available.
