South Lake Tahoe, Calif. — The Lakeside Park Association (LPA) has captured a top honor for its water quality, being awarded the “Best Tasting Water in California” title at the California Rural Water Association’s annual Water Expo. This small but historic South Lake Tahoe neighborhood, known for its clear Lake Tahoe views and deep-rooted legacy, now has another reason to take pride in its pristine water.
Nestled behind the casinos along US-50, Lakeside Park is bordered by Park Avenue and Stateline Boulevard. Originally subdivided in 1909, the area began as campgrounds, making it the first subdivision in El Dorado County. In 1938, local property owners joined forces to incorporate Lakeside Park Association, establishing a mutual water company to supply drinking water and recreation for both residents and visitors.
The development of the Lakeside Park Water System started with a modest spring source on the east side of US-50, feeding water into four redwood storage tanks. However, as the area grew, the demand quickly outpaced supply, prompting LPA to drill two high-capacity wells on Pine Boulevard. By the late 1950s, these wells were the primary water sources, and the spring was relegated to backup. Fire hydrants and increased pipe sizes were added to improve fire safety and water flow.
In the 1960s, Lakeside Park Association expanded its water rights to draw from Lake Tahoe directly, further securing a sustainable supply for its service area. By the 1990s, with amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act, LPA constructed a new water treatment facility to meet the state’s updated requirements. This treatment plant, built with the help of state funding, remains active today, ensuring residents continue to receive top-quality water.
The recent award not only reflects LPA’s dedication to water purity but also underscores its longstanding commitment to excellence. At the annual Water Expo held at Harvey’s, a formal panel of judges examined water samples from across California, assessing them for clarity, bouquet, and taste. Lakeside Park Association’s water emerged victorious, earning top marks and unanimous approval from the judging panel.
LPA’s Water Systems Manager, Nakia Foskett, expressed excitement about the association’s next challenge: “The journey continues as we look forward to our invitation to enter the National Great American Water Taste Test in Washington, DC, in February 2025! We are beyond thrilled!”
With this award, the Lakeside Park Association is more than just a historic water system; it’s now a champion of California’s finest water.
