Lake Tapps Reservoir was at its lowest level for this winter for the first two weeks of February. Cascade Water Alliance today announced it will begin the spring fill of the Lake Tapps Reservoir this week.

The reservoir had been drawn down to allow for Cascade’s installation and testing of repaired, rehabilitated and new valves at the Powerhouse. Cascade has completed its work at the Powerhouse installing and testing a new $2 million energy dissipating valve. The new valve (in conjunction with the repaired/rehabilitated existing valves) will ensure even more reliability and safety in operating the reservoir.

Residents will have noticed that the reservoir has slowly begun to refill due to rain and snow melt. Active refill will begin about February 28. At that time, the reservoir level will rise rapidly – as much as 3 to 4 inches per day (2 – 2.5 feet per week). At this fill rate, Cascade anticipates it will reach full recreational level of elevation 541.5 feet by mid-March.

Cascade will, for a short time during the spring, raise the level up to elevation 543 feet, which is the maximum permissible level for Lake Tapps, to remind residents of the legal high water mark. This is done every year during the spring. Cascade will maintain Lake Tapps at an approximate elevation of 542.6 to 542.8 feet throughout the summer and early fall.

If homeowners have been doing any improvements to their property or beginning new projects, they should plan to complete them by early March.