For the Reporter

Cascade Water Alliance began refilling the Lake Tapps Reservoir system over the weekend.

The speed of the refill is dependent on the available flows in the river. The target for reaching recreational lake (reservoir) levels remains Memorial Day weekend.

The system is opening back up after more than seven months of being down for significant repairs, maintenance and improvement. Cascade is filling the eight-mile long flow line and settling basins in order to test the new facilities (headgates, a new concrete flume and fish screens).

Barring unforeseen circumstances residents should start seeing Lake Tapps Reservoir levels begin to rise mid-week.

“When we purchased the White River/Lake Tapps Reservoir system from Puget Sound Energy in 2009 we knew it was old,” said Cascade CEO Chuck Clarke. “We’ve long planned this major drawdown to do a complete assessment of the system. We notified homeowners last June and have kept them informed every step of the way. We appreciate how very supportive and patient the community has been, knowing this project would lead to a more reliable and predictable system that allows us to take care of the lake now and in the future.”

Added Joe Mickelson, Cascade’s Lake Tapps Reservoir manager:

“The weather has been extremely cooperative this winter, allowing us to stay on schedule as we’ve addressed significant challenges discovered during the condition assessment of this 100-plus-year-old system.”

For the latest in lake level information and for the agreements regarding lake levels please visit www.cascadewater.org.