Fircrest water, sewer and backyard mains

The City of Fircrest owns and runs its water, sewer and storm drainage, using five wells of its own, apart from 24 northwest-corner parcels served by Tacoma Public Utilities.

Sheet revised November 4, 2026

Where does Fircrest's water come from?

From the ground inside the city. The 2024 utilities plan says five wells carry the entire supply, with a booster station, three reservoirs totaling 1.8 million gallons and 26 miles of pipe. An intertie with Tacoma is there for peak or emergency use. A 2019 city newsletter said some mains were more than 70 years old.

The northwest corner is on a different supplier

Tacoma Public Utilities serves 24 parcels: properties in the 1300 blocks of Buena Vista, Berkeley and Contra Costa Avenues, the Valley Firs Condominiums and the former 67th Avenue annexation area. If that is you, your water questions start with Tacoma, and finding your water supplier shows how to confirm it. Next door, University Place has a different arrangement again.

Sewer lines can run through backyards

Fircrest has backyard mains. The Public Works page lists continued backyard sewer replacements and a 2019 project that rerouted a line running underneath a house. A main in your yard is one reason to call 811 before digging. The city has about 32 miles of main and six lift stations, and owns no treatment plant; wastewater goes to Tacoma's Central plant by agreement.

Tanks survive in two annexed areas: part of the West End Addition, which joined in 1997, and the land annexed in 2018. For care and inspection rules, see septic on the peninsulas, which covers the same health department.

Which permit for which job

Two offices split this. Replacing or repairing a personal water line or personal sewer line takes a no-fee Public Works permit, per the city's permits page, and it says to contact Public Works first. Sinks, toilets and water heaters go through Planning and Building. The 2026 fee schedule appears to set the residential plumbing fee at $40 plus $15 per item, with a 15% administrative fee on top; confirm it with that office, 253-564-8902.

The city wants a yearly test of every backflow assembly, done by a certified tester, and keeps a copy of the result. Details are in backflow and irrigation.

If a permitted repair to a personal water line calls for a new shutoff, one store listing to compare covers ball valves. PlumbingSupplyAndMore and this atlas are run by the same team.

A leak or sewer backup after hours goes to Public Works dispatch at (253) 564-8900. With sewage in the house, stop using drains and keep people and pets away. If unsure about a line, call a licensed plumber.