For the Reporter

Lake Tapps Reservoir is a beautiful recreational area, but it is also part of Cascade Water Alliance’s water supply system, including the lake bed (up to elevation 545 feet), the dikes, and the entire White River system.

To keep a healthy, safe reservoir, the following regulations are in place for recreational and public access:

Dikes: Dikes are closed to the public, accessible only by homeowners whose property abuts the dikes or if one has a license issued by Cascade. All other presence on dikes is trespassing. Unlicensed structures on dikes will be removed at owner cost.

Lake bed: To build or remodel bulkheads or docks, a Cascade license and all appropriate permits must be obtained before work can start. Unpermitted structures will be removed at owner cost.

Closed areas: Trespassing on the dikes, within the White River Project, or on Cascade areas posted “no trespassing” will be referred to law enforcement agencies. This is for safety.

Cascade and its partners in law enforcement, fire and schools remind swimmers that the reservoir is glacier fed, and is therefore often very cold in some places. Recreation enthusiasts should call 911 if they spot trouble on the lake, trespassers, speeders, violators or people in damage.

To help homeowners in planning ahead for project work, Cascade has issued the following lake level plans (subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances). The reservoir level in the summer is 542.5 feet, and most winters it is 539.5 feet. However, in winter 2018-19, it will be down to between 530 – 532 feet for project work.

For more information about Lake Tapps, visit cascadewater.org.