From Sfgate · · 1m 20s
Orange County Lake Drained for Five Years
Orange County’s largest lake will be empty for five years to upgrade aging infrastructure and prepare for climate storms.
In brief
Orange County’s largest lake will be empty for five years to upgrade aging infrastructure and prepare for climate storms. Irvine Lake will be drained for five years to improve safety and handle future storms, leaving no fish. Originally reported by Sfgate.
Irvine Lake’s Purpose
Irvine Lake is Orange County’s largest freshwater reservoir, used for water storage and shoreline fishing.
Lake Drained for Five Years
Irvine Lake will be drained this month for a five-year construction project to upgrade aging infrastructure.
Water Levels Reduced
The lake’s water level will drop from 735 feet to 720 feet, leaving 300 acre-feet of water.
Historical Context
Irvine Lake was created in 1933 by Santiago Creek Dam, now facing aging infrastructure issues.
Safety Concerns
Santiago Creek Dam has an ‘Extremely High’ downstream hazard level due to aging infrastructure.
El Niño Preparation
The water district will reduce lake levels ahead of El Niño to handle potential major storms.
Fish Relocation Debate
Fish advocates warn draining the lake without a salvage plan will kill white sturgeon under catch-and-release rules.
“Draining Irvine Lake without a fish‑salvage plan will result in the foreseeable and complete mortality of white sturgeon present in the reservoir. This constitutes an unlawful take.”
Project Completion
The lake will be completely drained this summer to start construction, with water returning in five years.
In short
Irvine Lake will be drained for five years to improve safety and handle future storms, leaving no fish.
