Cascade Water Alliance announced Wednesday the drawdown schedule for the Lake Tapps Reservoir this fall.

The reservoir, which is full now, will continue to gradually become lower as no additional water is being added.

Then, on Thursday, Nov. 1, approximately elevation 538.5 feet, where it will likely remain for the rest of the fall and winter. The drawdown is necessary for the integrity of the dikes and to ensure safety from wind, storm and wave action during the winter months.

As usual, residents should watch the drawdown and make appropriate decisions regarding watercraft and other property, but it is recommended that boats be out of the water over the next week to ensure their safety.

Because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working on the Mud Mountain Dam Fish Passage Project in the White River, Cascade will not be reducing the reservoir levels during the winter much beyond this level, unless there is a significant need to do so.

Active fill will begin in early March with the anticipation of reaching minimum recreational level of elevation 541.5 to 542.5 feet by mid-April. Cascade will, for a short time during the spring – as it does every year — 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 approximately elevation of 542.5 and 542.8 feet throughout the summer and early fall.

If homeowners are considering any improvements to their property or begin new projects, they should plan to do so between early February and early March. Cascade reminds residents they must obtain all appropriate permits as well as a Cascade license prior to beginning any construction. The time to apply is now.

For more information about Cascade and Lake Tapps, visit cascadewater.org and for information regarding licenses for project work, visit cascadewater.org/lake_tapps_licenses_and_permits.php.