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)
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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)
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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)
