Cascade Water Alliance will raise the Lake Tapps Reservoir to approximately elevation 543 feet, the maximum allowable level at which Cascade can operate, the agency said Thursday.

The reservoir will reach the elevation about May 1 and will then be drawn down slightly to normal recreational summer levels, the alliance said.

Cascade has raised the reservoir to the maximum allowed at least once each year since it took ownership in late 2009, as a reminder to homeowners that this is the maximum fill level under operating agreements with the Lake Tapps Community Council.

After the maximum fill, Cascade will keep the reservoir between elevation 541.5 to 543 feet, usually at about 541.7 to 542.7 feet, through late September, weather dependent.

For the latest lake level information, visit cascadewater.org.