Succulents and flowers along around Lake Mission Viejo. The lake’s water comes from the north via the Santa Margarita Water District. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
A lifeguard boat skims across Lake Mission Viejo. Water agency regulators looking to reduce water use are quietly discussing what to do with the private lake. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Private lakes for a few wealthy suburbanites are a vestige of a past ideal, critics say of Lake Mission Viejo. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Created in the 1970s, Lake Mission Viejo is the centerpiece of the south Orange County community of Mission Viejo. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Keath Sahagun, left, and brother Kaiden, both 12, paddle a kayak across the lake, which residents pay membership dues to use. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Pedestrians stroll by Lake Mission Viejo in south Orange County. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Fishermen on a quiet, foggy afternoon on Lake Mission Viejo. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
In California’s third consecutive drought year, state officials are beginning to consider whether the water of Mission Viejo’s recreational haven might be better used in the most parched regions. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
