The city of Lake Elsinore received the Helen Putnam Award for planning and environmental quality, city officials announced Saturday.
The award was presented by the League of California Cities during its annual conference in Long Beach, where Lake Elsinore was awarded for its creation and implementation of the Lake Management Plan.
The Helen Putnam Award is intended to recognize excellence in local government across the state and highlights outstanding achievements that improve the quality of life for residents while promoting responsible and forward-thinking planning practices, according to city officials.
“The Helen Putnam Award recognizes our commitment to restoring and preserving Lake Elsinore for generations to come,” Councilman Steve Manos said.
Manos accepted the award alongside City Manager Jason Simpson, Assistant Director of Lake and Community Operations Adam Gufarotti, Management Analyst Bailey MacLean and City Clerk Candice Alvarez.
According to city officials, Lake Elsinore faced challenges from harmful algal blooms, nutrient pollution and low oxygen levels in recent years. As a result, the city launched the comprehensive, science-driven Lake Management Plan, an initiative aimed at improving water quality and restoring ecosystem health in Lake Elsinore.
The plan improves water quality and aquatic habitat by deploying advanced nanobubble technology to oxygenate the water, implementing phosphorous mitigation to slow algae growth and using satellite-based systems to monitor cyanobacteria levels.
Officials said results have already been evident with dissolved oxygen levels near the lake bottom having tripled, sediment quality improved and cyanobacteria levels being undetectable.
“Receiving the Helen Putnam Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and vision of our staff and community partners,” Simpson said.
“This recognition motivates us to continue implementing innovative solutions that protect Lake Elsinore and ensure it remains a premier destination for recreation and natural beauty,” he added.
Great job Lake Elsinore, this is welcome news.
The question we need to answer is; Did the pilot program for recycling sewage to a level of body contact worked?
Are the levels of contamination within the Standard guidelines when treated wastewater is present?
Are part of the algae cycle in conjunction with recycled waste water.
What are the percentage wastewater and round off water levels?
Please provide the information.
The lake looks beautiful, the best I’ve seen since I moved here in 1981.