The State of Lake Mission Viejo
Improving the water quality of Lake Mission Viejo is what you might call a mammoth project. With 1.2 billion gallons of water, no wonder it remains a work in progress.
The good news is that after years of research and planning, the Lake Water Improvement Project is well underway. The Advanced Purified Water Treatment Facility is expected to be operational in January 2027, and over time will lower the lake’s total dissolved solids (TDS) and possibly lower its pH. Research indicates that water lower in TDS and pH is less hospitable for golden algae, which is harmful to fish.
2026 was actually a decent year for angling in the lake. From February through May, more than 1,000 pounds of catfish and 750 individual bluegill were stocked—many of which were landed by happy anglers. The conditions were good until June, when rising golden algae numbers prevented further stocking.
As the Water Improvement Project progresses, the lake’s Board of Directors hopes that replenishing the fish population will become a more frequent activity.
Interested members of the Lake Mission Viejo Association are invited to attend monthly Board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Contact the lake office for details: (949) 770-1313 or info@lakemissionviejo.org.
