Lake Mission Viejo at crossroads amid California drought

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (KABC) -- Amid serious water restrictions, a private lake that is considered an iconic symbol of Mission Viejo has become a serious challenge.

The problem? The lake uses potable water, which makes it ideal for recreation, swimming, boating and fishing, but costly to maintain.

Created in the 1970s, Lake Mission Viejo is surrounded by 24,000 homes and is used by 80,000 people. Association members pay more than $200 a year for access.

"To me, it's paradise, sitting out there in the middle of the lake in a boat," said Ruben Cabrera, who fishes every day at the lake.

Lake Mission Viejo Association bylaws require it to keep up conditions for fishing and swimming, but the lake loses nearly 5 feet a year due to evaporation -- a significant loss when factoring in California's severe drought.

The association is working with the Santa Margarita Water District on two possible solutions.

One idea requires the association to pay for another area in the district to switch from using drinkable water to recycled water for irrigation.

"We would receive credit to continue to receive potable water for the lake," said Kevin Frabotta with Lake Mission Viejo Association.

The association favors a second option: building a plant near the lake to treat recycled water. The water would undergo three additional treatment levels to remove nutrients and pathogens, so it's safe for swimmers and fish.

"It's expensive. It would cost $5 to 6 million, but it's a long-term solution," said Jonathan Volzke, a spokesman with the Santa Margarita Water District.

Lake Mission Viejo Association's board of directors expects to make a decision within the next 60 days.

Water district officials said they are looking at grants and other forms of financing if the board chooses the new water treatment plant option.

In the meantime, Lake Mission Viejo Association's has removed 30,000 square-feet of turf in its parking lot and is in the process of replacing it with rocks, drought-tolerant plants and drip irrigation.

It expects those changes to save 1.3 million gallons of water a year.