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Is Tacoma Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 23, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Tacoma?

Yes, Tacoma's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Tacoma has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Tacoma's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Tacoma's water utility, City of Tacoma Water Division, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Tacoma was resolved on Nov. 30, 2014. This assessment is based on the City of Tacoma Water Division water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Tacoma Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Tacoma tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Tacoma's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Tacoma Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named City of Tacoma Water Division for Tacoma in Washington. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2015, Tacoma had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

From Nov. 1, 2014 to Nov. 30, 2014, Tacoma had 2 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From Oct. 1, 2014 to Oct. 31, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From Sept. 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From Aug. 1, 2014 to Aug. 31, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2014, Tacoma had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

From June 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From May 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From April 1, 2014 to April 30, 2014, Tacoma had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Is there Lead in Tacoma Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Tacoma water system, City of Tacoma Water Division, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.001 mg/L of lead in Tacoma water. This is 6.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Tacoma contained more lead.

While Tacoma water testing may have found 0.001 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Tacoma Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - JB Lewis McChord - Yakima Training Center - near Tacoma with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Tacoma has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Tacoma SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
07/01/2015 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)
11/01/2014 - 11/30/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
11/01/2014 - 11/30/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
10/01/2014 - 10/31/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
09/01/2014 - 09/30/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
08/01/2014 - 08/31/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
07/01/2014 - 07/31/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
07/01/2014 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)
06/01/2014 - 06/30/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
05/01/2014 - 05/31/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
04/01/2014 - 04/30/2014 Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Tacoma Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO KNOW YOUR DRINKING WATER IS SAFE
People often ask, “How do I know my water is safe?” Our state of the art water treatment plant at the Green River Filtration Facility ensures your water is safe to drink when it leaves the plant. That isn’t the end of our work to ensure your water remains safe on its way to and once it arrives at your home. We also monitor our system continuously. We monitor the chemistry of your water for quality throughout the water distribution system to ensure that when you turn on the tap, you can trust the water that comes out. Our Washington State certified water quality specialists perform field analysis on more than 45 samples taken from over 65 locations throughout the system each week to ensure proper pH, chlorine, temperature, and fluoride levels. An independent State of Washington certified laboratory also analyzes our samples for bacteria. Another essential part of assuring water quality is through cross-connection control efforts. Controlling cross-connections helps ensure that hazards associated with your personal water use don’t contaminate the public water distribution system. We work to control cross-connections through periodic hazard surveys and by requiring the installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Common hazards that require backflow prevention:
HOW DO I CONTACT TACOMA CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Tacoma water provider, City of Tacoma Water Division, please use the information below.
By Mail: PO BOX 11007
TACOMA, WA, 98411
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CITY OF TACOMA WATER DIVISION
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their City of Tacoma Water Division account to pay their Tacoma water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your City of Tacoma Water Division bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Tacoma water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Tacoma water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP TACOMA WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Tacoma means you will often need to put the water in your name with City of Tacoma Water Division. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Tacoma means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with City of Tacoma Water Division. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Tacoma Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.63 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Tacoma tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 23% Low
  • Water Pollution 52% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 77% High
  • Water Quality 48% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Tacoma, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Tacoma Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Tacoma's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020

Water Quality

Report

  1. Message FromYour Water Superintendent

We are proud to share this report and inform you about what goes on behind the scenes to deliver your high-quality water. First, I want to assure you that your water is safe from viruses and other pathogens like COVID-19. The Green River has excellent water quality, and our treatment processes effectively disinfect your water. Together, our clean water and filtration plant continue to support you and your health providing safe drinking water and hygiene practices like washing your hands and cleaning surfaces.

While COVID-19 did disrupt our initial plans for 2020, it did not alter our responsibility to deliver you the best water possible. As you might imagine, it takes a team of individuals with varying skills and abilities to work together to provide a quality product. The desire to serve you and our community is a vital, admirable quality of our organization. I am proud of their commitment and hard work, especially with the challenges of 2020.

This report gives you a glimpse into the many tasks we complete to bring you clean water, which begins in the Green River Watershed. The brief bios of some of our fantastic employees who take considerable measures to protect your water quality will help you get to know the people you entrust. You can also learn how we monitor water quality further by testing for impurities the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies and studies but doesn’t have limits or standards. I hope you find these stories interesting and informative.

We strive to be as transparent as possible about the quality of your water. Thank you for allowing us to serve you; it is an honor and a privilege.

Scott Dewhirst, Superintendent

An Important

Message From

the EPA

Your drinking water currently meets the EPA’s revised drinking water standard for arsenic. However, it does contain low levels of naturally occurring arsenic not associated with known sources of industrial contamination. There is a small chance that some people who drink water containing

low levels of arsenic for many years could develop circulatory disease, cancer, or other health problems. Most types of cancer and circulatory diseases are due to factors other than exposure to arsenic. The EPA standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water.

Eagle Gorge Reservoir

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

3

How Road Improvements Make a Difference in the Watershed

Roads are an essential part of the infrastructure within the Green River Watershed and are how we access our critical assets, such as the water intake, wells, pipelines, backup power generators, thousands of acres of forests, and miles of streams and waterways. While roads are necessary, they must be well designed and maintained. Proper planning, construction, and maintenance of our forest roads helps minimize erosion, protects water quality, forest productivity, fish and wildlife habitat, and provides for safety.

Proper road maintenance includes regular evaluation of the condition of roads and road assets to identify deficiencies and prioritize repairs before they become problems.

The roads within our watershed cross numerous streams and rivers, with bridges and culverts being the major components of the road system.

Relief culverts transport water from ditches under the road onto the forest floor.

Forest vegetation acts as a natural filter  to keep pollution out of the water.

The roots of vegetation anchor soil against erosion, and material on the forest floor helps absorb nutrients and sediment.

We upgrade our roads and replace our culverts when they no longer

function properly or as they reach the end of their life.

The 1950s suspension foot bridge over the Green River near our filtration facilities.

We continued to build upon road improvements by implementing a systematic culvert inspection program within our ownership. In 2020, we completed the inventory and inspection on eight miles of forest roads located along the south side of the watershed. We also inspected 124 culverts and found 26 were deficient and 15 were prioritized for replacement. We monitor the remaining culverts periodically, and re-assess them within five years to identify which might be a high priority. These inventories and inspections guide our annual culvert replacements including 10 culverts prioritized for replacement in 2021. We will also begin a three-year inventory and inspection along the north side of the watershed beginning in 2021.

State law, and our agreement with federal agencies under the Endangered Species Act, also requires us to replace artificial fish passage barriers on our roads with fish-passable structures. This effort is part of our Habitat Conservation Plan. In 2005, we began work to replace three culverts identified as barriers to fish travel. This multi-year project involved the landowners contributing to the removal of culverts and installation of bridges. We replaced the identified culvert barriers with fish passable culverts or bridges to facilitate free movement of fish upstream and downstream through the area.

There is always a need to inventory and inspect our stream crossing structures because they wear out over time. We installed the majority of culverts during the 1960s to 1980s. We identify the installation time by a culvert’s materials and configuration. Most of the culverts installed at that time will not survive a massive storm, which creates a higher potential for road failure.

We maintain these assets to a level that protects the environment and ensures water quality, while providing for safe transportation. Further, it demonstrates our commitment to other forest landowners, business partners, and local communities that we value a healthy forest and clean water, and commit to protecting it.

The Green River provides 90% of our drinking water supply.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

5

Forest land in the watershed is our first filtration system.

Precautions at the Green River Watershed Help Protect the Quality of Your Water

Doug Blanchard

Environmental Specialist

"Much of my contribution to water protection and quality is through good communication and being a keen observer. My commitment is to restore and maintain the lands that affect water quality.

When contractors, landowners, and right-of-way users work in the watershed, they need to understand they are all part of the equation to protect water quality. They usually don’t consider water quality impacts of their work, so I review best practices that allow them to perform their job and consider our interests.

I also monitor and solve problems with invasive species in the watershed. What began as a concern for aquatic invasive species led to an awareness of noxious weeds and their impact on native plants and habitat. Caring for our lands and having a greater understanding of the variety of invasive plants along roads, right of ways, and the river corridor, make my job challenging and rewarding."

Natalie Jones

Restoration Biologist

The Green River Watershed is the primary source of your drinking water and for the communities we serve. This includes other cities and entities that provide water to more than 300,000 people throughout the region collectively. Because the vast forested land that makes up the watershed includes other utilities, the U.S. Forest Service, and state and private timber companies, we take extra precautions to help protect the source.

To ensure your drinking water is clean, reliable, and safe, the City of Tacoma bought much of the land adjacent to the Green River to restrict activities that could influence water quality.

We partner with other landowners to extend our protection activities to lands we do not own. We do this primarily through cooperative agreements to ensure they meet high water quality standards. We also review forest management permit applications submitted to the Department of Natural Resources to ensure forest management activities on state and private timberlands adequately protect the water quality that you depend on.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

We developed a project intake process in 2020 to ensure contractors entering the watershed understand the sensitive nature of the watershed and how their activities can influence water quality. We meet with the landowner or utility, and their contractors working within the watershed, to learn about their projects. We use this time to discuss their work plans, identify any concerns, and offer suggestions to mitigate possible impacts on the drinking water supply.

For many contractors, this is their first time working in a restricted drinking water supply area. The special precautions required to work in the watershed are uncommon to many contractors, so we help by being available to answer their questions. By talking through their projects with them, contractors can develop the best plan for completing the work, while helping us meet our need to provide you, and the communities we serve, with clean, reliable water. We establish agreed-upon communication and protocols for any details that need our involvement.

We also cover worksite safety, emergency response, and sanitation.

Implementing this small process has greatly advanced our engagement with people working in the watershed. As a result, everyone better appreciates each other’s objectives and can mutually agree upon the best way to meet each organization’s goals. The process improves efficiency for our contractors and protects your

drinking water.

"My position helps provide clean, reliable water by keeping the watershed ecosystem healthy. I help maintain and restore the natural lands surrounding our water source, which act as a first wave of filtration before the water gets to the Green River. I also help make sure the animals living in the watershed have the habitat and food they need. I am lucky to work on projects helping elk, deer, bears, birds, and fish, to name a few. We have a small team, so I often get to assist our forester and fish biologist with their work, and I always learn new things. We work in a beautiful place, and our work changes with the seasons, so every day is a new challenge. I am so grateful to be a part of the Tacoma Water team doing a job I love!"

Brian Ballard

Watershed Forester

"I have been working for Tacoma for five years and as a forester in the Pacific Northwest for 20. I work in several areas of the Green River Watershed, but my main focus is managing and caring for our forested lands and forest roads. I’m passionate about this work because resilient infrastructure and forest health directly impact the high-quality water we provide from the watershed. Poorly maintained roads impact water quality, so I work to remove roads that are no longer needed and disconnect our roads from surface water by maintaining and upgrading our drainage structures. Properly cared for forests provide natural filtration for clean water. I help maintain their health through active management like thinning and planting, and passive management such as monitoring forest health. I enjoy my job because the work directly and positively impacts the health of our watershed and people living in our region."

7

Reporting Chemicals inYour Water

The water quality table below shows substances we identified at the water source, treatment plant, and in the distribution system during our most recent sampling. The tables below don't include the other 35 inorganic chemicals, 67 volatile organic chemicals, and 73 synthetic organic chemicals we test for — including many industrial chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides — but did not find.

This dam sends water into the Green River Filtration Facility.

Regulated at Our Groundwater Sources

Understanding ppm and ppb

Constituent

 

Highest level allowed

 

Highest level detected

 

Ideal goals (MCLG)

 

Range of level detected

 

Regulation met?

 

Potential sources

 

(MCL)

 

 

 

 

 

of contaminant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenic

 

10 ppb

 

1.4 ppb (2017)

 

0

 

0

- 1.4 ppb

 

Yes

 

Natural erosion

Nitrate

 

10 ppm

 

4.95 ppm (2019)

 

10 ppm

 

0 - 4.95 ppm

 

Yes

 

Agricultural uses, septic

Trichloroethylene

 

5 ppb

 

1.4 ppb

 

0

 

0

- 1.4 ppb

 

Yes

 

Industrial contamination

Unregulated at Our Groundwater Sources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chloroform

 

N/R

 

1.5 ppb

 

N/R

 

- 1.5 ppb

 

N/R

 

Industrial contamination

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average 0.427 ppb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated at Our Treatment Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fluoride

 

4 ppm

 

.96 ppm

 

4 ppm

 

0.60 - 0.96 ppm

 

Yes

 

Treatment additive

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turbidity

 

1 NTU

 

.062 NTU

 

N/A

 

0.019

- 0.062 NTU

 

Yes

 

Soil erosion

Regulated in Our Distribution System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constituent

Highest running annual

Our running

MCLG

Range of level detected

Regulation met?

Potential sources

average allowed

annual average

of contaminant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

80 ppb average

11.6 ppb average

N/A

5.1 - 25 ppb

Yes

Disinfection interaction

Trihalomethanes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haloacetic acids

60 ppb average

5.9 ppb average

N/A

2.6 - 11 ppb

Yes

Disinfection interaction

Bromate

10 ppb

0

0

0

Yes

Disinfection interaction

Chlorine residual

4 ppm

N/A

4 ppm (MRDLG)

0.22 - 1.60 ppm

Yes

Treatment additive

Total Coliform

< 5% positive

0.090% positive

0

2 of 2,228 sites

Yes

Sampling technique

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulated at Your Tap

 

 

 

 

 

Lead and copper

 

90% of samples must be

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sampled in 2019

 

90% of samples were

 

# of sites above the

 

Potential sources

 

below the action

MCLG

Regulation met?

(sampled once

 

at or below this level

action level (AL)

of contaminant

 

level (AL)

 

 

every three years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead

 

15 ppb (AL)

N/D

0

0 of 51 sites

Yes

Household plumbing

Copper

 

1.3 ppm (AL)

N/D

1.3 ppm

0 of 51 sites

Yes

Household plumbing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visualizing 1 ppm

Four drops of water in a 55-gallon rain barrel

Definitions

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL):

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available technology.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG):

The level of a contaminant in drinking water below for which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

ppm

One part per million.

ppb

One part per billion.

NTU

Nephelometric Turbidity Unit is a standard to measure water clarity.

AL

Action Level is the concentration which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. Action Levels are reported at the 90th percentile for homes at greatest risk.

Minimum Reporting Level, also known as Method Reporting Limit (MRL):

The smallest amount of a substance we can reliably measure and report in a sample.

Visualizing 1 ppb

One drop of water in a

13,000-gallon swimming pool

N/D

Not Detected (result is below the laboratory minimum detection level).

TT

Treatment Technique is a required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL):

Highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG):

The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

N/A

Not Applicable.

N/R

Not Regulated (not currently subject to EPA drinking water regulations).

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

9

How We Monitor and Test for Contaminants inYour Drinking Water

Determining which drinking water contaminants we test for is complex. Some are more common like bacteria, lead, copper, and treatment additives such as chlorine, fluoride, and pH. But we also test for other less common contaminants. We get help from our friends at the EPA to determine those contaminants.

The EPA works with engineers, scientists, doctors, and other health professionals to establish a Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). The CCL is a list of drinking water contaminants that are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and are not currently subject to EPA drinking water regulations. The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) requires purveyors of public water systems to monitor for those items to confirm if they are present and how prevalent they are. The EPA reviews the results of water system monitoring and decides whether they need to put any new regulations

in place.

The EPA considers whether the:

Identifying Substances in Your Water

Tap water and bottled water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals

and can pick up other substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity. Those substances may include inorganic material such as salts and metals, synthetic and volatile organic material from industrial processes, storm water runoff and septic systems, and pesticides and herbicides

from agriculture and residential uses. To ensure your drinking water is safe, the EPA and the Washington State Board of Health prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain

contaminants in public water systems.

Operator Armin Wahanik performs an alkalinity analysis on water.

  • Contaminant might adversely affect people’s health.
  • Contaminant occurs in public water systems or whether a high chance is likely that it might take place often enough and at levels of concern to public health.
  • Regulation (in the sole judgment of the administrator) of the contaminant presents a meaningful opportunity to reduce public health risks.

You will find the results from the fourth round of the UCMR, also known as UCMR4, in this report.

The fifth round of the UCMR (UCMR5) recently began. We will sample from 2023-2025.

While we did detect some contaminants, their levels

were well below those known or believed to be a health concern.

UCMR4 Unregulated Contaminants

Constituent

Minimum

Average level

Range of level

Potential sources

reporting level

detected

detected

of contaminant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manganese

0.4 ppb

7 ppb

0.72 - 14 ppb

Natural erosion

Bromochloroacetic

0.3 ppb

0.40 ppb

0.31 - 0.48 ppb

Disinfection

Acid

interaction

 

 

 

Bromodichloroacetic

0.5 ppb

0.53 ppb

ND - 0.58 ppb

Disinfection

Acid

interaction

 

 

 

Dichloroacetic Acid

0.2 ppb

2.23 ppb

0.85 - 3.3 ppb

Disinfection

interaction

 

 

 

 

Trichloroacetic Acid

0.5 ppb

2.21 ppb

0.99 - 4.5 ppb

Disinfection

interaction

 

 

 

 

Total Organic Carbon

0.3 ppm

0.73 ppm

0.62 - 0.84 ppm

Natural erosion

 

 

 

 

 

For definitions, see page 9.

For more information on the UCMR4, visit

EPA.Gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.

For more information about the CCL, visit EPA.Gov/ccl.

Organisms

Cryptosporidium (KRIP-toe-spo-RID-ee-um) Cryptosporidium is a microscopic organism commonly found in open surface water sources. Swallowing Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea, fever, and other stomach and abdominal symptoms. We tested the Green River for Cryptosporidium on a monthly basis from 2015 – 2017. We collected and analyzed samples using the best available method approved by the EPA. We did not detect Cryptosporidium in the untreated Green River during this period. Federal and state regulations require us to treat Green River water for Cryptosporidium. We remove any Cryptosporidium that might be present effectively with filtration. We have had no reported instances of Cryptosporidium- related health problems in our service area.

Giardia (GEE-are-DEE-uh)

Giardia lamblia is another microscopic organism commonly found in open-surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Like other water systems that use open surface water sources, federal and state regulations require us to treat Green River water for Giardia. We kill Giardia effectively with disinfecting chemicals like chlorine

and ozone.

Gases

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Breathing radon can cause lung cancer in humans. Ninety-eight percent of detected radon comes from indoor air generally released from soil beneath homes. Radon can release from tap water, but in much smaller quantities – only about 1% of radon exposure comes from drinking water. We test for radon in our groundwater sources. Federal guidelines require drinking water to contain no more than 4,000 picocuries per liter (a picocurie is a measure of radiation). We took 111 samples and tested them between 1992 and 2020. Findings show an average of 291 picocuries per liter. Our largest single test shows 530 picocuries per liter.

Understanding picocuries

The Curie (Ci) is a standard measure for the intensity of radioactivity contained in a sample of radioactive material.

A picocurie (pCi) is a measure of the rate of radioactive decay of radon. One pCi is one trillionth of a Curie.

1 pCi

=

0.000000000001 Ci

Minerals

Lead and Copper

Studies cited by the EPA show swallowing lead or copper can cause health problems, especially in pregnant women and young children. Lead and copper found in drinking water usually come from home plumbing. Some homes have higher levels than other homes. Water with a low pH can cause copper to dissolve directly from pipes into water and lead to dissolve from solder used to join copper pipes. Lead-based solder was banned in 1986, but small amounts of lead can still be found in many brass-plumbing fixtures and can slowly dissolve into water after standing in pipes for a long time.

Federal and state drinking water rules establish “action levels” allowable for lead and copper in water samples collected from homes. At least 90% of samples may have no more than 15 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in one liter of water and no more than 1.3 parts per million (ppm) of copper per liter.

Once every three years, we sample at least 50 homes for lead and copper.

We completed the most recent sampling in 2019. Results show our system met action levels for both lead and copper. Although we detected lead in a few homes, all were at levels below the 15 ppb action level.

To continue ensuring we meet regulatory requirements, we will continue to monitor and adjust pH levels to reduce corrosion in pipes. We will sample again for lead and copper in 2022.

Pregnant women and young children can be more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. If you have concerns about lead levels in the water at your home, have your water tested. Running water for two minutes after it sits stagnant in the pipe for a few hours can help clean the tap and reduce the amount of lead and copper in your water. A change in the temperature of water will also tell you when fresh water arrives.

Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1-800-426-4791 or at EPA.gov/SafeWater/Lead.

Sand and Silt

Because we take our water from the Green River, which, prior to 2015, was an unfiltered water source, pipeline shutdowns and fire flows from hydrants can stir up sand and silt that sits in the bottom of water mains throughout the water supply system.

Even though the water is treated, turbid events like these can cause water to appear visually unpleasant, but it remains safe.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

11

Treating Your Water

In addition to filtering your water, in 2020 we treated our Green River drinking water supply with chlorine, fluoride, caustic soda, and ozone. Treating water with the chemical disinfectants, chlorine and ozone, is important to protect your health when water is drawn from a surface supply like the Green River. Placing disinfecting chemicals in water kills germs and microorganisms, making it safe to drink.

Fluoride

Tacoma voters approved fluoride treatment in 1988 and 1989 because of the dental health benefits it provides. The Tacoma City Council then enacted an ordinance directing fluoridation of our water supply. We currently fluoridate at a level of 0.7 ppm.

Caustic soda

We treat our Green River water supply with caustic soda to raise the pH (a measurement of acidity) of the water, making it less corrosive on plumbing and reducing the amount of lead and copper that can dissolve into your drinking water.

Ozone

Algae and other organic material in the Green River can create an objectionable taste and odor in your drinking water. We treat the Green River water supply with ozone, which effectively destroys any undesirable taste and smells that can occur and provides disinfection benefits to help ensure your water remains safe to drink. Ozone gas generates when we expose pure oxygen gas to electricity in an ozone generator. After creating ozone gas, we combine it with water and inject into pipeline reactors at the Green River Filtration Facility. Ozone only lasts for a few minutes in the water, and is not present in the water supply when it leaves the treatment site.

Mechanic Brett Cook and Treatment Supervisor K.C. Shankland check a hypochlorite pump.

Chlorine

Chlorine is our primary disinfection treatment. While it does an excellent job of killing the microorganisms that may be harmful to you, chlorine also reacts with the natural organic material commonly found in surface water sources like lakes, rivers, and streams. This reaction forms compounds called “disinfection byproducts.” We must meet drinking water standards for two groups of disinfection byproduct compounds.

Byproduct levels found in water depend primarily on:

The amount of natural

The amount of chlorine used

The amount of time it takes

organic material in

to treat your water

water to reach you

your water

 

 

Disinfection byproduct levels vary throughout the year. Byproducts often increase during the warmest months when our water supply has its highest levels of natural organic material and chemical reactions happen faster.

We work to minimize byproduct levels and have adjusted portions of our system operations.

Treatment Supervisor K.C. Shankland inspects the thickener that causes particles to settle.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

13

DeliveringYour Water

Most of your water comes from the Green River in South King County. The Green River Watershed is a 231-square-mile forested area that serves as a collection point for melting snow and seasonal rainfall in an uninhabited area of the Cascade Mountains between Chinook and Snoqualmie Passes. We own land along the river, which is about 11% of the watershed.

Through agreements with other landowners, we limit watershed access and carefully control activities, such as recreation, road maintenance and logging. We also own and operate seven wells on the North Fork of the Green River and take water from them during periods when Green River water is turbid. We supplement the Green River supply with groundwater from more than 20 additional wells to meet peak summer demands. Most are in Tacoma city limits.

How to Know Your Drinking Water is Safe

People often ask, “How do I know my water is safe?” Our state of the art water treatment plant at the Green River Filtration Facility ensures your water is safe to drink when it leaves the plant. That isn’t the end of our work to ensure your water remains safe on its way to and once it arrives at your home. We also monitor our system continuously.

We monitor the chemistry of your water for quality throughout the water distribution system to ensure that when you turn on the tap, you can trust the water that comes out. Our Washington State certified water quality specialists perform field analysis on more than 45 samples taken from over 65 locations throughout the system each week to ensure proper pH, chlorine, temperature, and fluoride levels. An independent State of Washington certified laboratory also analyzes our samples for bacteria.

Another essential part of assuring water quality is through cross-connection control efforts. Controlling cross-connections helps ensure that hazards associated with your personal water use don’t contaminate the public water distribution system. We work to control cross-connections through periodic hazard surveys and by requiring the installation and testing of backflow prevention assemblies.

Common hazards that require backflow prevention:

Irrigation systems

Fire systems

Boilers

Commercial dishwashers

Swimming pools

Carbonated beverage

 

 

systems

Spring snow melt in the Green River Watershed provides most of your drinking water.

The Importance of Conserving Water

When each of us uses only as much water as we need, we conserve water. Conservation makes it possible to plan and provide for residential and commercial development, take only what we need from reservoirs and wells, and leave more water in the river for fish. When we each do our part, we help ensure enough water remains available for our wildlife and to meet our growing community's needs.

The Washington State Department of Health requires city water suppliers to establish a water conservation goal and report progress each year. Our water conservation goal is to reduce summer (May – October) water use by 6.65% per person from 2018 to 2028. Every family and business that uses water outdoors—for gardens, yards, and landscaping—plays a part in helping us reach that goal. Read the plan at MyTPU.org/WaterSystemPlan or learn about our conservation programs and tips at MyTPU.org/WaterSmart.

Keeping You Healthy

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1-800-426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline, 1-800-426-4791.

There are 1,399 miles of water mains that carry between 50 and 80 million gallons of water per day to homes and businesses.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

15

Tacoma Public Utility Board

The Tacoma Public Utility Board is the governing and policy-making body for Tacoma Water. To be involved in water quality decisions, you may participate in public meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium, 3628 S. 35th St. in Tacoma. Note: To comply with Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28, meetings will not be conducted in-person and will have telephonic and virtual access for the public to attend until further notice. For details, go to MyTPU.org.

Your Water Quality Report

This report contains information about your drinking water. Congress and the EPA require us to inform you annually about your drinking water and its impacts.

Although most content in this report is required, we are pleased to share additional helpful information about your water and the work we do to get it to you.

We produce and mail this report for about 45 cents per customer.

Contact information

Water Quality

253-502-8207 WaterQuality@CityofTacoma.org

Conservation

253-502-8723 MyTPU.org/WaterSmart

Cross Connection Control / Backflow Prevention

253-502-8215 MyTPU.org/BackFlow

Rates

253-441-4942

National Radon Hotline

1-800-55-RADON 1-800-557-2366

Washington State Department of Health

DOH.WA.Gov/ehp/dw

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Safe Drinking Water Hotline

1-800-426-4791 EPA.Gov/SafeWater

FPO FPO

3628 S. 35th St. • Tacoma, WA 98409

Printed with soy ink.

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAID

TACOMA WA PERMIT NO 2

MyTPU.org/WaterQuality

Contaminants


City of Tacoma

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Washington State Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 315777
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 21

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Arsenic
  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • Bromoform
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Manganese
  • Mercury (inorganic)
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Strontium
  • Trichloroethylene
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Tacoma Tap Water

The Tacoma tap water purifier is one of the best ways to get purified drinking water in the Pug area. Since the water here is so heavily contaminated, it is essential to filter the water to eliminate all the harmful pollutants and impurities. Even a simple filtration system like this can improve your health and well-being. This is especially true if you are exposed to lots of chemicals throughout your daily life.

Getting a filtration system like this is easy to do. Many retailers carry them, and you can also easily find one at home. The key is to research the various models, read customer reviews, and compare prices until you find the best deal. You do not want to end up spending more than $100 for a good filtration system to protect your family from contaminants.

Fortunately, the Washington State Department of Health has developed an excellent water purification program for homes like yours across the state. This program allows residents to filter their water at home. It works by attaching a small water purifier to your faucet. These units remove common contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, cysts, lead, THMs, VOCs, TCE, MTBE, lindane, Asbestos, MTBE, and many other contaminants from your tap water. This makes Washington State certified water purifier’s a great way to get great-tasting and safe drinking water.

Tacoma Drinking Water

There is a great deal of talk about the dangers of living in an area surrounded by Puget Sound and all the various contaminants that come with it. The Washington state department of agriculture has some information that you should take note of regarding Puget Sound. They have found multiple chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria, and other hazardous substances flowing into the Sound daily. The principal port at Tacoma is very prone to this type of influx. There are many major corporations with wastewater treatment plants in the area, but what happens to all the water that runs off these facilities?

Well, that’s the big question, and the short answer is that most of it go into the ocean. However, a significant amount of it makes its way back into the groundwater. There is such an overwhelming amount of contaminants in the groundwater because they settle to the bottom and are eventually carried inland by runoff. This means that if you didn’t have any dams or sewage treatment plants in your area, much of the Puget Sound’s water would run off into the sea. You see that this is why there is so much Puget Sound pollution because so much of the Puget Sound’s water is run off into the ocean every day and ends up contaminating the soil, plants, and even fish living in the water.

This is why you need to have your drinking water tested and regularly monitored by a company specializing in the detection and monitoring of environmental contaminants. There are companies in Seattle that have this specialized expertise. If you want peace of mind with the certainty that your drinking water is clean and pure, you need to have a professional make sure it is. Why trust your health to a local municipality when you can have peace of mind from the professionals?

Tacoma Water Quality

Suppose you live in the Puget Sound area. In that case, you are already aware of the importance of having a high-quality, tested drinking water supply. Unfortunately, this is an area where some residents suffer from harmful water quality issues. Tacoma is one of the cities in Washington State that have been found to have poor water quality, and residents have been trying to do something about it for years. In addition to the harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants in the water, the lack of testing makes it very difficult for the average consumer to determine if they have safe water to drink.

Testing the water in your home to find out its quality can be a tricky process. Still, you need to have peace of mind and know that the water you are using is as clean and pure as it can be. The Environmental Protection Agency works closely with cities around the country to test the water provided for residents. They must test each sample at least once per year. They also have detailed reports about what they found in each sample, and you can read them at your leisure online. You can usually find these reports on the internet before you visited the city. Still, when you go, you may be unable to get the information you need since it will usually be highly abbreviated or written in legalese.

Suppose you want to feel confident when you fill up your jugs at home or filter the water in your swimming pool. In that case, you need to know what the minimum water quality standards are for your city. You can easily find these on the internet and in many business books. Once you have learned what minimum standards your city requires, it will be much easier for you to choose the filtration system and other equipment you need to ensure your water purity. Although the water quality in the Pacific Northwest is excellent, it can still be affected by the kinds of things that are naturally occurring there, so regular testing and thorough maintenance are vital. By taking care of the problems before they arise, you will be able to enjoy the great water that Puget Sound has to offer for a long time to come.

Tacoma Water

There are two types of public water treatment facilities in the greater Seattle area; one is Tacoma water, and the other is Spokane water. This is because the City of Seattle purchased and built the port that allows both Tacoma water and Spokane water to cross over. This will enable them to both have clean and untreated water while allowing people to use it both for personal consumption and irrigation. This makes it easier for those living in the areas to have access to both types of water. However, suppose you are considering purchasing a home in Seattle and are concerned about the water supply quality in the area. In that case, you should look at the water treatment plants located in the area.

Suppose you own a business that uses chlorinated water on a large scale. In that case, you must find a good and reliable water treatment facility to provide your customers and employees with clean and safe water. Many different water treatment facilities are available in the greater Seattle area. You will want to make sure that you do a little research on each one before making any final decisions on which one you will hire to provide you with quality water services. It would help if you also were sure that the facility you choose is registered with the Washington Department of Health and does not suffer any severe violations regarding its water treatment.

Many people live and work in the greater Seattle area. Suppose you do not feel comfortable with the quality of the water that is provided to you. In that case, you may want to consider purchasing a home near one of the many water treatment plants that are located in the city. Suppose you can filter the water that comes into your home from a reliable water treatment plant. In that case, you will be ensuring that the water that you and your family consume is clean and safe. This will help you enjoy a healthier life. You will be able to save money on the health care costs resulting from you and your family consuming unhealthy and hazardous drinking water.

Tacoma Water Utility

If you have never seen a Tacoma water utility company or heard their siren blaring, don’t go over to the other end of the street. These guys are serious when it comes to delivering reliable and cost-effective service. And when it comes to stormwater control, they are the leaders in the league. They have the workforce, the technology, the equipment, and the training to help you get rid of that water from your roof and down your gutters. They have the expertise to know which property is rated for maximum water loss per year and can help your tenants with drying out their rental units after significant rain.

An average house in Tacoma does not need a full-on system to deal with large volumes of stormwater. A low-flow showerhead attached to your washing machine will do fine. But if you have an older house or an addition on your property, it is time to get a system installed. There are many reasons to get a more robust water delivery system, including protecting the environment by reducing runoff and watching your budget using less utility money. It is also a good investment because you will save money on your monthly utility bill, keep the unit out of the way after it is paid off, and you will never see a leak again.

When considering the right Tacoma water utility company, ask them about the eco-friendly stormwater systems they use. Tacoma water rates are lower than most cities because they have a limited number of non-revenue generating stormwater streams. That means that they use their water utility facilities for minimal domestic use like cleaning and washing. Your Puget Sound water supply will benefit from rainwater collection and will not be lost through leaky pipes ever again. Talk to your new water utility company about how they will handle any future changes to your water usage. That way, you can relax knowing you are making a big step in preserving our air and water resources.

Tacoma Water Systems

If you need an emergency plumbing service, it is advisable to call the Tacoma water systems experts. These experts can help you get the same pressure you need and the amount you need to ensure that your home’s water supply is kept safe and running smoothly. Contacting them for immediate service or installing a new water system can save you from many costly complications, such as expensive repairs, damage to fixtures and other property, and more.

Most plumbing issues occur in a home’s kitchen or bath, but other parts of a home can experience clogs from time to time. In some cases, a clog can occur when a drain gets backed up, and water starts pouring in but doesn’t have a way to get out of the pipe. Or perhaps a drain is backed up by tree roots or other debris that makes it difficult to remove the pipes’ water. In these cases, the best course of action is to call a Seattle plumbing service. If the problem isn’t fixed quickly, it could rot and cause more significant problems in other areas of your home, such as the basement.

You can find the right plumbing services to meet all of your needs in downtown Tacoma. They carry a full selection of plumbing equipment. They offer several plumbers who are willing to come to your home to evaluate the problem and recommend a course of action for repair. Whether you need a simple drain cleaning, or complex drain maintenance and repair, they will be able to accommodate your needs. Don’t wait until your pipes are leaking; call a local Seattle plumbing service to come to your home and fix any of the water problems you’re experiencing.

Tacoma Water Supply

When it comes to local government water issues, the Tacoma water supply is often given the least attention. This may be because the population is relatively small, and the city does not face many water delivery problems. Despite this, the fact is that residents of the greater Tacoma area need to access clean, drinkable water. And while it can be challenging to find a reliable source, you need not have to put in too much effort. All you need is an advanced water filtration system that will help ensure that your drinking water remains safe and pure.

The first step towards ensuring that your water supply is safe is to invest in a quality water filtration system. A filtration system can be installed at your home or office with a professional plumbing company. After this is done, you will need to find a reliable supplier of water filtration systems. Fortunately, finding such a company is not all that difficult.

There are quite a several suppliers of high-quality water filtration systems in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. By comparing the rates and features offered by each one, you will be able to determine which filtration system will best meet your needs. Once you have chosen the right filtration system, you will need to install it. This will give you access to clean, drinkable water in the fastest time possible, without having to worry about using up supplies from your city’s water supply.

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