Santa Margarita Water District officials are working to install two more aeration pumps today to help quell the foul odor caused by an algae bloom in the district’s Upper Oso Reservoir.
According to district officials, testing continues to indicate that conditions are improving. Though nearby residents smelled stronger odors over the past 24 hours, the health indicators of the lake are still improving.
The cooler, drier weather at night and in the early morning caused the odor to migrate into nearby neighborhoods. This is the reason some people may have smelled stronger odors Sunday and Monday morning, officials said. Recent night and morning fog helped contain the odor near the lake.
Officials say the lake’s color looks better, and its clarity increased substantially over the weekend. According to the district, water tests performed today show an increase in oxygen reduction potential (O.R.P.) levels, which means sulfide levels are dropping and oxygen is returning to the lake.
