The event was made possible by community support, with local businesses stepping up as sponsors and residents donating funds.
SAN DIEGO — The Lake Murray Fourth of July fireworks show is cancelled again for a second year in a row; the event is a beloved tradition for residents of Del Cerro, San Carlos and La Mesa.
“So really what it came down to was- we were told by the City of San Diego that they would not allow- they would not issue us a permit anymore. The last time the event went on was the last time they issued us our permit to be able to have fireworks over open water, and the concern is the debris that goes into the lake,” said Alice Greliak, with the Lake Murray Fireworks and Event Show.
Greliak emphasized that the event was made possible by community support, with local businesses stepping up as sponsors and residents donating funds. Producing the show cost about $100,000 annually. Greliak noted that the team had been proactive.
“We as volunteers had people go out in boats with nets, and pick up any debris and we also, as part of the costs of what we would pay for, was to have the water tested before the fireworks show and again after the fireworks show to make sure and there was never any reports or anything that indicates that we that the fireworks impacted the local lake,” Greliak said.
Despite these efforts, the organization has struggled to maintain finances and even explored the possibility of a drone show, which they deemed financially unrealistic.
As the group dissolves, the future of this cherished local event remains uncertain.
The City of San Diego provided News 8 with the following statement:
“The City’s Public Utilities Department has worked with the event organizers over the last several years on potential options for Fourth of July celebrations that would not impact the reservoir, including exploring alternate fireworks locations and a drone sky show. We appreciate their understanding of the event’s impact on our drinking water system.
Murray Reservoir is a drinking water reservoir that supplies the Alvarado Water Treatment Plant, which continuously delivers water to more than half of San Diego’s population. Prior to Fourth of July fireworks events, the water level at Murray Reservoir is lowered significantly to make use of the most water possible prior to the fireworks’ impacts. After the fireworks, the State Division of Drinking Water requires the City to conduct firework-specific water quality testing before using any of the water in Murray. Water samples are analyzed by an independent lab for tin, titanium, and phosphorus, related to fireworks.
Not being able to use the water from Murray Reservoir for 4 to 6 weeks, while the water quality testing is completed, causes significant operational impacts for the reservoir and water treatment plant, in addition to limiting recreation opportunities at Murray Reservoir from mid-June through mid-August. Due to these significant impacts on water delivery operations and public use of the reservoir, the City requested that the Lake Murray Fireworks Show consider alternative locations or methods going forward.”