Lake Don T. Howell (Lake Howell) is a 1,300-acre reservoir impoundment that provides a raw water supply for the Coddle Creek Water Treatment Plant and the Kannapolis Water Treatment Plant.  The embankment is approximately 2,400 feet in length and consists of zoned earth fill.  The principal spillway consists of three 75 feet wide by 5 feet high crest gates that allow the water elevation to be controlled between 645 feet and 650 feet.  An auxiliary spillway and emergency spillway are also part of the Lake Howell dam.  The drainage basin for Lake Howell is approximately 47 square miles in parts of Cabarrus, Rowan and Iredell Counties.  The total water impounded is approximately 5 billion gallons, which allows for a daily safe yield of approximately 28 million gallons.

Lake Howell was constructed in 1992-1993 by Cabarrus County and originally called the Coddle Creek Reservoir.  It was renamed to Lake Don T. Howell in honor of Don T. Howell, who served as Director of the Board of Light and Water Commissioners from 1961 to 1986.  Cabarrus County retains ownership of Lake Howell.  Operation and maintenance is performed by WSACC.