The level of the reservoir is lowered from about October to April to allow important upkeep and maintenance to be done, as well as an occasional major capital project.

[1] A diversion dam on the White River, near Buckley, routes water into a flume which empties into the east side of Lake Tapps.

[2] At the diversion structure on the White River the US Army Corps of Engineers began to replace the existing barrier and fish trap.

[citation needed] General access is available at the northeastern end at North Lake Tapps Park.

The other public access is on the south end at Allan Yorke Park, owned by Bonney Lake.