Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) Water is more than a basic amenities provider. They are the lifeblood of the local community, ensuring every household, business, and public institution within their service area has a ready supply of clean, safe drinking water. They deliver to more than 300,000 people in Tacoma and parts of Pierce and King counties.
Service Beyond Providing and Ensuring Clean Water
Tacoma Public Utilities Water’s responsibilities surpass providing quality drinking water to the local community. Foremost, they safeguard the city’s water supply from the source to the tap, ensuring that the water surpasses both state and federal standards.
The majority of Tacoma’s water supply comes from the Green River Watershed, situated southeast of Tacoma and northwest of Mount Rainier. TPU Water oversees the treatment and delivery of drinking water right from the Green River supply, encompassing a meticulously tackled process.
Tacoma’s Water Source and Workflow Management
For generations, the Green River Watershed has served as Tacoma’s main water source. The river and its tributaries are fed by rain and melting snow from the Cascade Mountain Range. TPU Water derives about 52% of the city’s water from the upper Green River, through the Howard Hanson Dam and reservoir. The remaining 48% comes from the lower Green River and its wells.
The water from the upper Green River is treated at two locations by TPU: the Green River Headworks and the Green River Filtration Facility. The water is then transported to Tacoma and the surrounding areas through a network of pumps, reservoirs and about 1,700 miles of water mains. Tacoma’s water supply workflow can be summarized as: river to dam, dam to treatment plants, plants to the water distribution infrastructure, and finally, to the taps of businesses and homes.
Water Quality and Treatment
Tacoma maintains an advanced water treatment system, able to remove potential contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and sediment from drinking water. The treatment process involves disinfection with chlorine, coagulation and sedimentation followed by filtration, which removes particles and contaminants. This entire process plays an essential role in making Tacoma’s drinking water safe.
Moreover, TPU conducts extensive water quality tests on the water supply before and after treatment to ensure safety standards and is in compliance with the Tacoma Drinking Water Regulations. The reports of the tests are provided to the public annually.
Conservation and Sustainability
TPU Water is dedicated to the judicious use of our valuable water resource and encourages its customers to do the same. They have a variety of programs and services designed to help residents and businesses use water more efficiently and sustainably. Residential customers can avail themselves of rebates, and free water-saving devices, while commercial customers can receive assistance with managing their water use more efficiently and understanding their bills.
Customer Service and Beyond
Besides their commitment to providing impeccable water services, Tacoma Public Utilities Water also shines in customer service. TPU Water not only works hard to meet its customers’ needs, but also takes their feedback into account to improve its services and facilities. Their water rates are competitive, with separate rates for residential, commercial, and industrial services.
In conclusion, while the importance of TPU Water’s role in maintaining and providing a reliable water supply to the people of Tacoma can’t be overstated, its endeavors extend much further. From safeguarding water quality to promoting water conservation and providing excellent customer service, TPU Water is not just here for today but devoted to quality service for all future generations.
For more information on Tacoma Public Utilities Water, please explore the following resources:
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Tacoma Drinking Water – Learn more about the source of Tacoma’s water, the treatment process, and ways you can help conserve water.
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Tacoma Public Utilities – Find out about the services provided by TPU Water and how you can start or stop service, pay your bill and more.
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Water Quality Report – Learn more about Tacoma’s drinking water quality and their commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water.
