The December water level at the Lake Tapps Reservoir is approximately 539 feet. Starting in early January, Cascade Water Alliance will slowly bring the reservoir level down to approximately 535 feet by January 30. This additional drawdown is necessary for Cascade to undertake maintenance activities on its dikes before the spring refill begins.
Cascade maintains seasonal recreational water levels between elevation 541.5 feet and 543 feet from April 15 to September 30. The 2021 spring refill is still anticipated to begin in mid-February.
If residents are planning work on their property, this is a good time to obtain the appropriate, required permits and a Cascade license prior to beginning any work. Further, residents should keep in mind as they do work on their property, especially bulkheads, that Cascade has the authority to raise reservoir levels to elevation 543 feet under current water rights, so any new or modified bulkheads should be built with the consideration that the reservoir level will be up to 543 feet. Cascade raises the reservoir to 543 feet once a year for a day or so as a reminder.
For more informationabout Cascade and Lake Tapps visit www.cascadewater.org and for information regarding licenses for project work visit http://cascadewater.org/lake_
