Lake NOtices & Updates

May 21, 2025
On May 12, 2025, as part of our standard pre-major holiday testing protocol, water samples were collected from Happy Camp, Holiday Harbor, Indian Beach, Sierra Park, and Sunset Beach and tested for hazardous/toxic algae. No toxins or hazardous algae were detected. The lake remains open for boating and recreational use. The recent shad die-off is most likely due to recent early morning depleted levels of dissolved oxygen. This is a natural occurrence in lakes and is consistent with current lake and weather conditions. It does not appear that the alum treatment or lake turnover are associated with the shad die-off over the last several days.

Recent preliminary test results did show the presence of golden algae in Canyon Lake. As seen in the larger fish that died a few weeks ago, golden algae can produce toxins that affect organisms with gills, including fish, freshwater mussels, and amphibians. As a result, it can be harmful and even fatal to fish populations. In humans, however, the potential health risks of golden algae are generally milder and may include irritation, respiratory problems, and digestive issues (this occurs by ingesting water or algal blooms). Golden algae blooms occur when certain environmental conditions are present, including high nutrient levels within the water body, water chemistry, temperature, or water flow (or stagnation). Additional water testing and fish toxicology results are in progress. Full results are expected by the end of May, with fish-specific findings coming in July.

While final water quality and fish toxicology results are still pending, we recommend the following precautions if you choose to enter or use the lake until further notice:

• Do not eat any fish caught in Canyon Lake.
• If you choose to enter the water, please do so with caution and rinse off with soap and water afterward to avoid skin or eye irritation.
• Avoid ingesting or drinking lake water.

May 7, 2025
Preliminary test results show low levels of golden algae (prymnesium parvum) in Canyon Lake, which may be contributing to the brownish tint recently observed in the water.

Golden algae can produce toxins that affect organisms with gills, including fish, freshwater mussels, and amphibians. As a result, it can be harmful and even fatal to fish populations. In humans, however, the potential health risks are generally milder and may include irritation, respiratory problems, and digestive issues (this occurs by ingesting water or algal blooms). Golden algae blooms occur when several environmental conditions are present, including high nutrient levels within the water body, water chemistry, temperature, or water flow (or stagnation). Additional water testing and fish toxicology results are in progress. Full results are expected by the end of May, with fish-specific findings coming in July.

While final water quality and fish toxicology results are still pending, we recommend the following precautions if you choose to enter or use the lake until further notice:
 

• Do not eat any fish caught in Canyon Lake.
• If you choose to enter the water, please do so with caution and rinse off with soap and water afterward to avoid skin or eye irritation.
• Avoid ingesting or drinking lake water.

This golden algae bloom is not the same as our more typical blue-green hazardous algae blooms (HAB) - as those contain cyanotoxins and can be dangerous to humans and pets. The Lake is not closed and we are still at green flag boating conditions.

As always, the Canyon Lake POA and EVMWD will continue to perform water quality testing prior to big holidays, including the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. We will continue to update the community as we receive updates and test results.

EVMWD, the Canyon Lake POA, and LESJWA staff are meeting this week to discuss these latest findings and future options. If you observe any dead fish please do not dispose of them, instead contact the Canyon Lake POA's Operations Team at 951-244-6841 x510. Operations will coordinate with the Canyon Lake POA's Marine Patrol to collect and document locations and quantities for further analysis.

Have Questions?

The Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake Nutrient TMDL Task Force, composed of cities, the county, and other organizations in the upper watershed, works jointly under the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA) to help improve the water quality of Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake. Below are the organizations to contact for various lake-related concerns and services.

Canyon Lake POA – 951-244-6841 x510
Responsible for:

• Lake recreation activities
• Algae sampling
• Issuing notifications, lake warnings, and closures

Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority (LESJWA) – 951.354.4242
Responsible for:

• Overall lake water improvements and alum applications

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) – 951.674.3146
Responsible for:

• Water and sewer services for homes and businesses in Canyon Lake

City of Canyon Lake – 951.365.5863
Responsible for:

• Assists with resident communications and notices

Railroad Canyon Dam Equipment Testing Notice
January 23, 2025
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) will be testing new equipment at Railroad Canyon Dam on Monday, January 27. This work may cause a temporary rotten egg odor in Canyon Lake; this odor is not harmful and typically disappears quickly depending on wind conditions. During testing, members may notice noise from equipment, minor changes in lake levels, and increased truck activity near the dam. This testing helps ensure the dam operates safely and reliably. For more information, read the EVMWD press release.
 

November 7, 2024
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) is alerting Canyon Lake residents of the lake's natural seasonal turnover, a process that may cause temporary changes in water color, cloudiness, or an earthy, musty, or "rotten egg" odor in the coming days. These effects are a normal part of the seasonal turnover and typically last one to two weeks. They do not pose any health risks to the community. Additionally, fish die-off may occur as a result of this natural process.

Lake turnover is a natural occurrence that typically happens twice a year. It occurs when the lake's surface water cools, becomes denser, and sinks, causing the lake to mix from top to bottom. This seasonal shift circulates nutrients and redistributes oxygen but may temporarily stir up sediment and release natural odors. For more information, read the EVMWD press release.
 

Lake Testing Notice
May 17, 2024
On May 8, 2024, water samples were collected from Happy Camp, Holiday Harbor, Indian Beach, Sierra Park, and Sunset Beach and were sent for testing. The results confirmed that all locations are within the safety parameters for recreational activities.



April 25, 2024
Please be advised that Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) and Canyon Lake POA are initiating lake testing in response to community concerns regarding recent deaths in the fish population. While Yellow Caution signs are posted year-round and remain the current status, we advise residents to exercise caution when deciding to use the lake at this time.

Spring Alum Application

April 12, 2024
Canyon Lake's spring alum application will begin on Monday, April 22. The lake will remain open during the alum treatment process with little disruption to members during application and implementation. Alum application is a safe method of minimizing algae growth by reducing nutrients in the lake.

Alum Schedule (subject to change)
- April 22: Main body
- April 23: Main body
- April 24: Main boat ramp to the west end of East Bay
- April 25: East Bay and area north of the causeway
- April 26: Clean up

 Temporary Lake Closure

April 11, 2024
New test results indicate that the North Ski Area may resume regular operations, and the lake in that area is no longer closed.

April 4, 2024
The North Ski Area is temporarily closed due to elevated bacteria levels resulting from routine post-rainstorm testing. Please refrain from any bodily contact with the water in the area. This closure is for the North Ski Area only.

Temporary Beach Closure

December 26, 2023
EVMWD's test results have concluded that the Holiday Harbor, Sunset Beach, and Happy Camp beaches may reopen. However, it is recommended to avoid body contact on the west side of the tunnel (near the spill location) for the next several days.

December 19, 2023
The beaches at Holiday Harbor, Sunset Beach, and Happy Camp are currently closed due to a sewage spill from the EVMWD sewer pump station on Village Way. Please refrain from any bodily contact with the water in these areas, as it may contain contaminants that pose a health risk. The water quality is being tested at multiple locations, updates from EVMWD will be provided when available.

Fall Alum Schedule

September 29, 2023
Canyon Lake's fall alum application will begin starting Monday, October 2. Alum application is a safe method of minimizing algae growth by reducing nutrients in the lake. Follow Canyon Lake Alum website for updates.

Alum Schedule (subject to change)
- Oct 2: Main Body
- Oct 3: Main Body
- Oct 4: Main Boat Ramp to West End of East Bay
- Oct 5: East Bay
- Oct 6: North Ski Area/Clean Up

Lake Testing Updates

May 25, 2023
On May 23, 2023, Happy Camp and Sunset Beach water samples were taken and sent to a lab in Sacramento for further testing. Both areas have tested within a safe level to be reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend.


*ND = Not Detected

>>>View Press Release

May 23, 2023
Please be advised that for several years, the Canyon Lake POA and Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) have cooperated to test Canyon Lake’s recreational water prior to major holidays. On May 8, 2023, water samples from Happy Camp, Sierra Park, Sunset Beach, Indian Beach, and Holiday Harbor were taken and tested. Unfortunately, Happy Camp and Sunset Beach had elevated results for microcystins that were in the “danger” range on that date. That sampling was done prior to the recent Alum Treatment, which may have some effect on the current water conditions. We are aware that Memorial Day weekend is this weekend, and therefore we are currently taking new samples, which will be rushed to a lab in Sacramento for further testing. We currently expect to have those results back by Friday, and we will publish and update this information at that time.

For now, the State trigger levels tested on May 8, 2023 require that we prohibit all recreational activity in the water at Sunset Beach and Happy Camp, effective immediately. Please avoid the water in these areas. “Danger” level signs are posted at those locations. THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WHEN CONDITIONS AND TEST RESULTS CHANGE.

>>>View Press Release (PDF)

September 1, 2022
Please be advised that Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) and Canyon Lake POA took water samples from five locations in Canyon Lake on August 16, 2022. Samples were taken from Happy Camp, Sierra Park, Sunset Beach, Indian Beach, and Holiday Harbor. There were no significant levels of microcystins or cyanotoxins detected at any of the five locations sampled.

Full Update Press Releases:

• Lake Testing Update Press Release | 09.01.2022 (PDF)
• Lake Testing Update Press Release | 09.07.2021 (PDF)
• Lake Testing Update Press Release | 07.01.2021 (PDF)