Alum Treatment Project

Published on: November 21, 2013

According to the Lake Elsinore & San Jacinto Watershed Authority (LESJWA), preliminary test results indicate that alum treatments conducted between September 23 and 27 in Canyon Lake have successfully improved the lake’s overall water quality by reducing phosphorous levels that can cause algae blooms and fish kills. The testing was conducted by MWH, a global consulting firm with over 150 years of experience in the water industry, in coordination with California State University, San Bernardino. Testing showed a significant decrease in the levels of phosphorous in different parts of the lake, including an 84 percent decrease in the Main Lake, and a 97 percent decrease in the East Bay.“The initial test results have confirmed that the alum applications are working as intended,” said LESJWA Chair, Nancy Horton. “We are very encouraged by the results in both the Main Lake and East Bay, and we expect future treatments to further decrease phosphorous levels, improve water clarity, and help eliminate future algae growth.”Additional testing is scheduled to take place later this month and a full analysis of the alum treatments is anticipated to be completed in December 2013. Four more alum treatments are scheduled for February 2014, September 2014, February 2015, and September 2015. The project is being paid for by the Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Task Force composed of cities, the County of Riverside, agriculture and dairy coalitions, and other organizations in the San Jacinto River Watershed.Additional funding also is anticipated through a $500,000 grant secured by LESJWA and through Proposition 84 funds from the California Department of Water Resources. The project is a joint effort of the City of Canyon Lake, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, LESJWA, the TMDL Task Force, and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association.LESJWA is a joint powers authority entrusted with $15 million in state and local funds to improve water quality and wildlife habitats in Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and the surrounding San Jacinto watershed. – The Friday Flyer

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