Lake Elsinore, CA – On Wednesday, January 25 and Wednesday, February 8, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District staff will perform regular inspections on the outlet valves at the Canyon
Lake Dam. This will not impact our customers’ water service. The inspections will allow EVMWD to observe and ensure proper function of any components of the mechanical systems.
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. The flow from the valves creates a scouring effect that removes sediments from the lake floor near the dam and the plant intake barge.
Once the valve inspections are complete, the valves will be opened to ensure proper operation. This will result in 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 or “rotten egg” odor. This occurrence is completely normal and should subside within a few hours.
More information, please contact EVMWD’s Operations Department at (951) 674-3146 x8395.
EVMWD provides service to over 159,000 water and wastewater customers in a 97-square mile service area in Western Riverside County. The District is a sub-agency of the Western Municipal Water District and a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. You can visit the District’s Web site at www.evmwd.com for additional information
