Steilacoom: a town that runs its own utilities

The Town of Steilacoom's Public Works runs water and sanitary sewer here, buying its water wholesale from Lakewood Water District and, per a 2010 document, sending sewage to Pierce County's plant wholesale.

Sheet revised November 4, 2026

Where Steilacoom's water really comes from

From Lakewood, under a wholesale purchase. The town's water utility page says it no longer pumps its own, and its only supply well, Well #4, is kept on standby for emergencies. The town's building permit form asks you to name the water provider and offers two choices: Town of Steilacoom or Lakewood Water District. So look at your bill, not just your town limits, and try finding your water supplier if the answer is unclear.

The town's 2022 comprehensive plan places it in the Clover-Chambers Creek Drainage Basin, its drinking water basin, and describes that basin as highly susceptible to contamination from land use. Annual water reports through 2025 are posted on the water utility page.

One public works office, several systems

Public Works runs the town's electric, water, sanitary sewer, street and storm systems. For a homeowner this means fewer doors to knock on than in many places nearby. To start utility service, the number is 253-581-1912.

Connecting a new service

The Utility Code requires a connection permit for new electric, water or sewer service, with Public Works review and an inspection before connecting. Parts of that code are dated 1994, so confirm the current steps with the town. If your job involves a trench, the 811 rules apply first.

Plumbing permits

Community Development handles building permits and has a Building/Mechanical/Plumbing Permit Application. Building inspection is at 253-983-2077. Compare how this works across the region on permits by place. The town's side sewer rule is not one we could confirm, so do not assume the wording from side sewers in Tacoma or the county reaches you.

Call 811 before any trench, as state law requires. Electrical trouble beyond a breaker or switch check belongs with the town's electric crew or a licensed electrician. If unsure about a pipe, call a licensed plumber.