Expect heightened security at this popular Pierce County lake this summer
Cascade Water Alliance is preparing Lake Tapps for summer traffic by raising water levels and increasing security around the dikes.
According to a news release from the Cascade Water Alliance, they are raising the Lake Tapps Reservoir this week to about 543 feet — the maximum level allowed.
“The reservoir will reach 543 feet on or around April 25 and will then be drawn down slightly,” to the normal summer level, the release said.
After raising it to the maximum level, they plan to keep the reservoir between 541.5 to 543 feet. CWA says they raise the reservoir to the maximum allowed at least once a year “so that residents know where the water level is on their property.”
Around May 19, the company also said they will install fencing around some of the dikes.
“Although the dikes are closed to the public, on warm, sunny days many people recreate illegally despite ‘No Trespassing’ signs,” the release said. “Activity on the dikes also increases when nearby parks get full and close entry.”
The company will be using fencing and officers from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office to prevent trespassers, the release said.
“Please respect the ‘No Trespassing’ signs and enjoy summer in the parks and on public beaches, not on the dikes,” the release said.
Residents can monitor water levels at waterdata.usgs.gov.
