Puyallup water, sewer and plumbing permits

The City of Puyallup supplies water from two springs and five wells and runs its own sewer, but its water service area does not match city limits, so confirm your parcel before assuming.

Sheet revised November 4, 2026

Springs first, then wells

Most of Puyallup's water comes from two natural springs. The city's About Us page gives springs 76%, wells 24% and the Tacoma intertie under 0.5%, while an older page gives 70, 29 and 1 on 2015 data. City GIS maps wellhead protection areas around these sources, including Salmon Springs and Maplewood Springs.

In the city, but maybe not on city water

City limits and the water service area are separate things. The plumbing permit form requires a water availability letter for property outside the service area. Tacoma Water's service-area map labels the City of Puyallup, Fruitland Mutual Water and Rainier View Water as separate purveyors, and the city posts a map document of water purveyors. Unincorporated land around the city has its sheet at South Hill. Engineering Services answers service area checks at (253) 841-5577. See also finding your water supplier.

Two city sources on the side sewer

They do not say the same thing, so we will not pick one. The public works FAQ says the city's responsibility ends at your property line. The construction standards, written for new development, put side sewer maintenance on the property from building to public main. The two readings can leave different stretches of pipe with you. Get the answer for your address in writing from the city. The wider picture is in side sewers.

The city maintains its system in public right-of-way and dedicated easements, per its spill response plan.

Plumbing permits, and the lead notice

The city's permit page says you need a permit to swap or move a toilet, tub, shower, sink or hose bib, and plumbing and mechanical applications can go in online. The Permit Center is at 253-864-4165, option 1. City pages disagree on counter hours, so call before driving over.

A city notice said it had to create a lead service line inventory by October 2024 and asked owners of homes built before 1986 to report service line material. See lead and old lines for what to do next.

Before anyone digs toward a side sewer, call 811 two to 10 full business days before work starts, as state law sets out. Leave the material question on any old pipe to the city or a licensed plumber.