Formed in April 2000, the Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds Authority is a joint powers authority entrusted with $15 million in state and local funds to improve water quality and wildlife habitats, primarily in Lake Elsinore, as well as in Canyon Lake and the surrounding watersheds.

The Lake Elsinore and San Jacinto Watersheds cover over 700 square miles, starting in the San Jacinto Mountains, running westerly through Canyon Lake and ending in Lake Elsinore.

As water flows from the San Jacinto Mountains, unwanted natural substances, such as phosphorus, become part of the water as it travels through the watershed and ultimately end up in Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore.

These unwanted natural substances hinder the water quality throughout the watershed and cause algae, the killing of fish and a host of other water quality-related problems.