It's no secret to the owners of docks on Lake Tapps that the body of water is tapped out.
"Whether we like it or not," Gary Petersen said.
Petersen built the first home on the lake 56 years ago. Last year, Cascade Water Alliance started to drain the lake to make $16 million in repairs.
But they did so without knowing drought was on the horizon.
"Of course, they can't get the water back fast enough," Petersen said. "You can't control Mother Nature."
Snowpack levels are low all across the region. Precipitation is also down, and the White River, which feeds Lake Tapps, is at a historic low.
It's at levels 40% lower than the last record low in 1984.
Residents are prepared for no recreational season at all this summer. Currently, the lake is closed to boating and fishing for safety reasons.
Cascade Water Alliance tells KING 5:
"Cascade is capturing all available water to put into the reservoir, but unless there is measureable precipitation, refill will continue to be slow. We, too, want to see this beautiful lake full for everyone to enjoy, and will keep the community informed on our progress."
The water, however, isn't the only rocky issue on the lake.
"Property values for waterfront homes have gone up," Josh Dill said. "We don't have waterfront homes at the moment. Why are we paying more for what we don't have?"
Dill and his neighbors are frustrated that property taxes are also up, some by 12 percent.
"I've paid $12,000 to live in this house every year. Now it's $14,000," Petersen said.
The property assessors office uses last year's values for tax rates. Homeowners can appeal, but that's about all.
That, and wait for rain.
