Lake Tapps facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Tapps |
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 Lake Tapps
Location in Washington (state)
Lake Tapps
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pierce County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°13′N 122°10′W / 47.217°N 122.167°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
Lake Tapps is a large reservoir (an artificial lake) in Pierce County, Washington. It was created in 1911 by a company called Puget Sound Power & Light. They used the lake to make electricity from water power until 2004.
After that, the lake was sold to the Cascade Water Alliance. This group of towns in King County now uses Lake Tapps to provide drinking water. It supplies water to about 350,000 people and 20,000 businesses.
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Fun on the Water: Recreation at Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps is a popular spot for fun activities. People can use the lake for recreation. This is thanks to an agreement between the Cascade Water Alliance and the homeowners around the lake. This agreement helps keep the water at good levels during the summer.
The Cascade Water Alliance also works with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. These agreements help make sure there is enough water in the rivers for fish.
Keeping the Lake Healthy: Winter Maintenance
From about October to April, the lake's water level is lowered. This allows important repair work and maintenance to be done. Sometimes, big projects are also completed during this time. Lowering the water in winter also helps protect the dikes (walls that hold the water) from strong winds and storms.
Facts About Lake Tapps
Lake Tapps covers about 4.5 square miles (11.7 square kilometers). It has a long shoreline, stretching about 45 miles (72 kilometers). The land around the lake is very uneven. This creates a complex shoreline with many small bays, land sticking out into the water, and islands.
Before the reservoir was made, there were several smaller lakes in the area. One of them was also called Lake Tapps. The reservoir is held in place by a series of strong dikes.
Fish in the Lake
Lake Tapps is home to many different kinds of fish. You might find carp, smallmouth bass, perch, and even tiger musky swimming in its waters.
How Lake Tapps Gets Its Water
Water flows into Lake Tapps from the White River. A special diversion dam near Buckley sends water into a channel. This channel, called a flume, carries the water into the east side of Lake Tapps.
In the past, the water from the west side of the lake went to the Dieringer Powerhouse. There, it was used to create hydroelectricity. After making power, the water returned to the White River. This return point was about 20 miles (32 kilometers) downstream from the diversion dam. Even though electricity is no longer made, the water still travels through this old system. It is then returned to the White River.
River Improvements for Fish
The US Army Corps of Engineers started a project in 2018. They are replacing the old barrier and fish trap on the White River. This project helps fish move more easily along the river. It was expected to be finished in 2023.
Where is Lake Tapps?
Most of Lake Tapps is in an area of Pierce County that is not part of a city. However, some nearby areas are part of the city of Bonney Lake. The city of Auburn is located at the northern edge of Lake Tapps.
Getting to Lake Tapps: Public Access
Most of the shoreline around Lake Tapps has homes built on it. Because of this, public access to the lake is limited. Many areas are only for people who live in neighborhood associations.
However, there are two main places where the public can visit the lake:
- North Lake Tapps Park: This park is at the north end of the lake. Pierce County owns it, and it is open to everyone. There is a small daily fee to use the park.
- Allan Yorke Park: This park is at the south end of the lake. The city of Bonney Lake owns it.
