As a resident or business owner in Tacoma, you may have come across the term “Tacoma Public Utilities Water”, but have you ever really thought about what it entails? Let’s dive into this vital resource, exploring its journey to our taps and significant impact on our daily lives. This article serves as your guide to understanding Tacoma Public Utilities Water – unraveling its sourcing, treatment, quality, and supply to the Tacoma community.
The Water Source
Tacoma Public Utilities sources the majority of its drinking water from the Green River Watershed, a 226-square mile area located about 40 miles southeast of Tacoma[^1^]. This pristine resource sits in the Tacoma Water Service Area, boasting top-tier purity levels that meet or surpass Tacoma drinking water regulations.
Water Treatment Process
After sourcing, the water goes through an extensive treatment process at the Green River Filtration Facility. This facility, opened in 2015, is designed to filter out any potential contaminants, ensuring the water meets the high Washington State and federal water quality standards[^2^].
However, Tacoma Public Utilities doesn’t stop there. To continue ensuring safe, reliable, and clean water to its customers, they routinely test the water for over 100 different substances in their state-certified lab. The thorough dedication to treating and testing the supply means that Tacoma residents can trust the quality of their tap water.
Supply Chain
From the treatment facility, Tacoma Public Utilities then distributes this water to approximately 318,000 people within the City of Tacoma and several neighboring areas – including University Place, Ruston, portions of Fife and Lakewood, and unincorporated Pierce County[^1^]. The multitude of areas served represents the broad extent to which the Tacoma water distribution system operates.
Quality Assurance
The process of quality assurance doesn’t end at the treatment facility; Tacoma Public Utilities has robust systems in place, such as the Tacoma water leak detection and Tacoma water main repairs. These features aim to prevent water losses through leaks, thereby preserving the resource and ensuring continuous, efficient supply to customers.
Additionally, they employ backflow prevention and cross-connection control measures further to guard against contamination of the water supply[^3^]. This strict adherence to high operational standards is part of what puts Tacoma Public Utilities Water a notch higher than the rest.
Customer Service: A Cornerstone of Operations
Placing customer service at the heart of its operations, Tacoma Public Utilities has provisions for both Tacoma residential water services and Tacoma commercial water services. The utility further offers online bill pay and outage reporting, creating a seamless experience for their customers.
Furthermore, Tacoma Public Utilities champions conservation initiatives, helping residents and businesses maximize efficiency in their water usage. This commitment to sustainability highlights the utility’s responsibility towards preserving our shared environmental resources.
In conclusion, Tacoma Public Utilities Water is an essential part of daily life for residents and businesses within Tacoma and its environs. It is a service operating with dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. By appreciating the work that goes into delivering this essential service, we can better appreciate and utilize this extraordinary resource.
So, the next time you turn on your tap, remember there’s much more to the water flowing than meets the eye – a touch of nature, a sprinkle of science, a dash of dedication, and a sprinkle of Tacoma Public Utilities ingenuity!
[^1^]: Tacoma Public Utilities, Water Source and Treatment, https://www.mytpu.org/water/water-source-treatment/
[^2^]: City of Tacoma, Green River Filtration Facility, https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/environmentalservices/surface_water/green_river_program/filtration_project/
[^3^]: Tacoma Public Utilities, Protecting Your Drinking Water From Contamination, https://www.mytpu.org/water/cross-connection-control/
