Everyone loves the sunny days of summer. But the dry weather means that the White River has lower flows than normal. Cascade Water Alliance can only divert water from the White River into the Lake Tapps Reservoir when the river is above certain levels, called instream flows, that are set in Cascade’s state water rights. Nature has not been cooperative, with extremely low snowpack that has already completely melted away, plus dry spring and early summer weather, resulting in low river flows.
Cascade wants the community to know that we are working 24/7 around the clock to put every available drop of water into the reservoir. You might have noticed we kept the reservoir higher than we typically do in spring in anticipation of continued dry conditions, but water levels are expected to continue to drop.
As of July 7, the reservoir water level is slightly above 542 feet, which is consistent with Cascade’s agreements to maintain summer recreational levels between 541.5 and 543 feet. Cascade will continue to take as much water as allowed and will keep the community updated on the status of flows and reservoir levels.
In the meantime, residents should watch water levels and make appropriate decisions regarding watercraft and other property.
Residents can monitor reservoir levels by clicking here.
For more information about Cascade and the Lake Tapps Reservoir visit cascadewater.org.