Central, South and East Tacoma

Most homes in central, south and east Tacoma are on Tacoma Water and city sewer; some still use private tanks, and Summit Water & Supply is an east Tacoma purveyor in unincorporated Pierce County.

Sheet revised November 4, 2026

Why Summit Water may matter east of the line

Tacoma Water is the city supplier, so Summit matters only if your address is outside the city or your bill names it. Summit Water & Supply describes itself as a member-owned purveyor since 1923, located in east Tacoma in unincorporated Pierce County, on groundwater only, with about 4,960 active connections. That says nothing about addresses inside city limits. The supplier lookup settles a boundary case.

Tacoma Water's supply is mostly the Green River, with groundwater in a supporting role. In particularly challenging years it uses the South Tacoma Wellfield. TPU calls its water softer than hard-water areas and stops there, so this sheet gives no number, and iron and hardness covers the subject. The 2025 report table shows 0 of 51 sites above the lead action level, and TPU confirmed in 2024 that service lines in its system are non-lead. Those results do not cover plumbing on your side of the meter.

Septic inside a city with sewers

Private tanks still exist here. Most properties are connected, the city says, but some homes are not. A public line within 200 feet may make sewer count as available, and the monthly sewer charge probably reaches you whether connected or not. For two years after sewer reaches you, the Septic Amnesty Program takes 50% off hook-up fees, to a limit of $10,000. Ask about both at (253) 591-5760. Sewer or septic: how to tell has more.

Voters approved a $3 million bond in 1944 for sewers and a plant to serve central, southern and eastern Tacoma, and main construction began in 1949. The Central plant on the Tideflats now takes flow from the city, Fife, Fircrest and some unincorporated county land.

Paying for a leak or a failed line

For water leaks, TPU lists two forms of help, each capped at $5,000: a grant if the household qualifies on income, and a zero-interest loan over as long as 84 months, with a lien as security. TPU's development page describes this for properties inside city limits. For sewer, low-interest Sewer Conservation Loans go to qualified owners, on (253) 502-2255. Side sewer repair or replacement needs a permit, and the permit tip sheet, seen as a search summary, limits residential permits to the property owner or a licensed contractor. See also side sewers.

If sewage backs up indoors when no water is running, stop using drains, keep people and pets away, and call Sewer Transmission at once at (253) 591-5585.