Lake Pine Dam Rehabilitation

Did you know? Lake Pine, also known as 'Apex Community Lake', didn’t start out as the popular park amenity it is today. In times past, the lake was the Town of Apex’s only source of drinking water. There was even a boat house on the lake for non-motorized boats. This was long before our current drinking water source, Jordan Lake, even began construction.

Based on historical maps and aerial images, the original Apex Lake dam was constructed sometime between 1914 and 1938. As Apex grew, the elevation of the original dam and spillway were raised in 1968 to increase amount of drinking water that could be stored in the lake. Since then, the flashboard risers and treatment works have been removed and in 2014, the siphon drain through the dam was replaced. While it no longer supplies Apex with drinking water, it is now an important recreation amenity of the Apex Community Park and greenway that surrounds it. 

• Status (Updated May 2025): Survey & Review of Existing Conditions 
• Project Lead Contact: Robert Patterson, PE (Email)
• Estimated Timeline: Approximately 12 months for Phase 1

What’s this project about?

In short, enhance and extend the life of the dam and lake. Previous inspections of the dam noted areas of deterioration in the 57-year-old concrete spillway and concrete apron. In 2023, the Town had these areas further evaluated using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and concrete coring. The Town is now moving forward with developing alternatives to rehabilitate the dam and spillway.  

Image below: Aerial image of Lake Pine

Project Goals

Dam & Spillway Rehabilitation - Evaluate alternatives for rehabilitating the dam, spillway, and related aspects. 

Flood control - The dam provides flood protection for downstream properties and infrastructure. Evaluate enhancements to flood control provided by the dam in order to increase resiliency associated with the changing climate and increased rainfall intensities.

Water Quality - The lake is within the Swift Creek watershed of the Neuse River Basin. These are impaired due to biological impairment and excessive nutrient pollution; which leads to issues like low oxygen levels, fish kills, and harmful algal blooms in the Neuse estuary. Evaluate stormwater measures to enhance water quality in and adjacent to the lake as part of the spillway rehab work. 

Project Phases

1. Preliminary Engineering Report (PER): This is a high-level evaluation of alternatives for accomplishing the project goals.
2. Detailed designs and permitting for the preferred alternative. 
3. Construction 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is that a geyser in Apex? 

Not likely, it’s probably just the siphon drain outlet. When it is opened and allowed to flow, it is that vertical column of flowing water that resembles a broken water pipe or geyser. However, it is meant to do that on purpose. You may periodically see it flowing over the next few months in order to temporarily lower the water elevation to allow for accessibility and safety of the survey crews.

Will park operations be affected? 

Little to no impacts to park operations, planned park events and sports, are anticipated during the initial phases. If the water level needs to be temporarily lowered, it may impact areas accessible for fishing.   

How is the project funded? 

Phase 1 of the project is funded by the Town of Apex Stormwater Utility Fund. The future phases will be funded by a combination of the Stormwater Utility Fund and Parks & Recreation funds (General Fund). In addition, the Town will continue to pursue other sources of funds such as grants.