Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD), the City of Lake Elsinore and the Summerly HOA are working together to address ongoing odor concerns in the Summerly community. This page provides updates on the investigation, mitigation efforts and collaborative actions to resolve the issue.
Key Updates
- Recent Testing Results
The City of Lake Elsinore, in partnership with the Summerly HOA, has confirmed through water quality testing that the odors are originating from the detention ponds near Summerly. No sewer flow has been detected in the ponds, confirming the odors are unrelated to EVMWD’s sewer system. - Mitigation Actions by the City and HOA
- The City has installed a mobile nanobubbler unit to improve oxygen levels in the detention ponds. A second unit will be operational soon to enhance these efforts.
- City crews have applied a safe, environmentally friendly algaecide to the stormwater detention basin to reduce organic matter contributing to the odor.
- The City and HOA will continue monitoring the situation and working with experts to ensure the well-being of residents.
EVMWD’s Role
EVMWD’s involvement began when residents reported concerns about sewer odors. These complaints initially focused on EVMWD’s sewer system. Through testing and data collection, EVMWD confirmed that the odor is not related to the sewer system.
The odor given off by the detention ponds closely mimics sewer smells, which can understandably confuse residents. However, EVMWD’s data, supported by the City’s findings with an independent third-party laboratory, clearly points to the detention ponds as the source.
EVMWD remains committed to supporting the community:
- Our team conducted thorough testing of the sewer system to eliminate it as the source of the odor.
- We continue collaborating with the City and HOA to address resident concerns and provide transparency throughout this process.
Community Engagement
- Weekly updates will keep residents informed about progress.
- Residents can contact EVMWD at 951-674-3146 for home visits, to ask questions, or to discuss concerns.
Next Steps
- The City will continue updating its website with details on mitigation measures.
- EVMWD will continue to update this dedicated page to provide accurate and timely updates.
For more details about the City’s efforts, please visit the city’s Summerly Community Updates page.
Contact Information
The City of Lake Elsinore: 951-674-3124
Summerly HOA: 951-973-7522 or Deanna.Casillas@fsresidential.com
South Coast Air Quality Management District: 1(800)288-7664 or you can fill out an online complaint form by clicking HERE.
EVMWD: 951-674-3146 or ElsinoreEddie@evmwd.net
Current Updates
Week of Dec. 23 update
EVMWD is assisting a few residents with individual assessments at their homes to help pinpoint specific odor concerns. While no issues related to our sewer system have been found, we remain committed to providing excellent customer service to the community.
Additionally, we are nearing the 1,220-foot mark as required by the pumping schedule. As a result, we will shut off the pumps on Monday, Dec. 23.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.
Week of Dec. 2 update
The City of Lake Elsinore continues to take steps to address odor concerns in the Summerly community. Recent updates include:
- On 11/26, the City installed a second nanobubbler and sprayed additional algaecide in the affected area. They plan to remove one nanobubbler this week but will keep the other in operation until the end of the month.
- The City also sprayed the golf course for mosquitos last week, significantly improving the area’s appearance.
- EVMWD continues to pump water and has about a foot and a half remaining.
- The HOA is still awaiting the City’s clearing of two storm drains that were concreted over. The blocked drains are more than likely contributing to some odor issues in two neighborhoods.
For more detailed updates on the City’s ongoing efforts, please visit their page: Summerly Community Updates.
