News

SAMLARC continuously monitors the overall health of the Lake in order to provide a peaceful environment for Members to enjoy, while also acknowledging the natural rhythms of a living ecosystem. Temperature dips, migrating birds, the growth and dispersion of fish, and increased algal activity all affect the Lake’s water quality. While SAMLARC’s maintenance operations aim to balance these facets, water quality, weather, or even visitor behavior may negatively affect the Lake’s ecology. 

The Lago Santa Margarita is a man-made lake, and like many others, contains various types of algae. If conditions are ripe, the algae will reproduce (bloom). These conditions are most likely to come about during periods of extreme weather, when water salinity is high, or when a foreign substance disrupts the chemical balance of the water (such as grease, soap, beverages, or cleaning agents). Recently, staff observed a green algae bloom at the Lake. SAMLARC’s professional lake management vendor is working to reduce the algae levels and prevent further blooms. Golden algae (which can harm fish when in bloom) has not been detected. 

SAMLARC Staff is vigilantly monitoring the water quality of the Lake, and is prepared to treat the water chemistry with materials that will lessen the effects of a potential bloom. The Board asks that all SAMLARC Members, guests, and nearby businesses assist in protecting the Lake’s harmony by following these guidelines:  

• Do not feed the birds, fish, turtles, or other creatures. Rotting bread, vegetables, chips, or grains build up excess protein and sediment in the Lake that could set off an algae bloom – and wreak havoc on the wildlife’s ability to successfully thrive in their own ecosystem.
• Do not dump beverages, soap, grease, or cleaning agents into the Lake. The Lake is a recirculating system – any foreign substances that are dumped into the Lake will remain in the system unless the system is fully flushed at great expense – and a build-up of sediment, salinity, or debris that compromises water quality may prompt an algae bloom.
• When fishing, properly dispose of hooks, lures, and lines. 

Thank you for your partnership in protecting the crown jewel of the community! For questions regarding the Lago Santa Margarita, please contact Jerry Corpuz, Assistant General Manager, at jerry.corpuz@fsresidential.com.