Lake Elsinore Secures $8M in Federal Funding for Water Quality Improvements

The funding will be used to expand the city's Nanobubbler system to further clean the lake's water.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The city of Lake Elsinore, California has received $8 million in federal funding to help improve the water quality of the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California. The funding will be used to expand the city's existing Nanobubbler system, which was first launched in 2023 to address algae blooms and water contamination issues that have plagued the lake for years.

Why it matters

Lake Elsinore is a vital natural resource and tourist attraction for the region, but has long struggled with water quality problems that have forced numerous lake closures and caution advisories. This federal funding will allow the city to build upon its initial Nanobubbler project and further improve the lake's water quality, supporting the local economy and enhancing quality of life for residents.

The details

The $8 million in federal funding was secured by Congressman Ken Calvert and will be used to expand the city's existing Nanobubbler system. The Nanobubbler technology, launched in 2023, uses tiny bubbles 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt to disrupt sediment layers and break down organic contaminants in the lake without harsh chemicals. After initial success with two Nanobubbler barges, the city approved the purchase of two additional barges in 2024 to further treat the lake's water.

  • In late 2023, Moleaer launched a $2 million-plus Nanobubbler project with the city of Lake Elsinore.
  • In 2024, the Lake Elsinore City Council approved the purchase of two additional Nanobubbler barges.
  • In February 2026, President Donald Trump approved $8 million in federal funding for the Lake Elsinore Water Quality Project.

The players

Congressman Ken Calvert

A Republican representative who secured the $8 million in federal funding for the Lake Elsinore Water Quality Project.

Robert E. Magee

The mayor of Lake Elsinore who thanked Congressman Calvert for securing the critical funding.

Nick Dyner

The CEO of Moleaer, the company that launched the initial $2 million-plus Nanobubbler project in Lake Elsinore.

Moleaer

The Hawthorne-based company that developed the Nanobubbler technology being used in Lake Elsinore.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of the City of Lake Elsinore, my colleagues and I would like to thank Congressman Ken Calvert and his office for securing this critical funding for the Lake Elsinore Water Quality Project. This funding will help augment the council's substantial financial commitment to the Nanobubbler systems we have deployed across the lake. A cleaner, healthier lake strengthens Lake Elsinore, our tourism, supports local businesses, and drives Lake Elsinore's economic viability while enhancing the quality of life for our residents. This investment is not just about water quality — it's about the future of Lake Elsinore and ensuring our city continues to grow, thrive, and remain a destination we are proud to call home.”

— Robert E. Magee, Mayor of Lake Elsinore

“Nanobubble technology is unlike any other surface water treatment previously used in Lake Elsinore because it addresses the root cause of the lake's problems.”

— Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer

What’s next

The Lake Elsinore City Council will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the expanded Nanobubbler system and may consider additional investments to further improve the lake's water quality.

The takeaway

The $8 million in federal funding for Lake Elsinore's water quality project demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing longstanding environmental challenges and preserving a vital natural resource that supports the local economy and community. The innovative Nanobubbler technology offers a sustainable solution to combat algae blooms and contamination, setting an example for other communities facing similar water quality issues.