Help paying water bills in Tacoma and Pierce County.
Most households in Tacoma and Pierce County receive drinking water and wastewater service (sewer, garbage, etc.) from Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma Environmental Services. Falling behind on the combined water/wastewater bill can quickly lead to late fees and disconnection worries, but there are several local programs that reduce charges, repair leaking lines, or provide emergency help with water costs. Find details on where to get help with water bills in the Tacoma area below, with contact information listed.
Programs offered from Tacoma Public Utilities
Tacoma Public Utilities is the primary source of assistance, whether financial help or payment plans, because it manages drinking water for most city households. The utility operates a Bill Credit Assistance Plan for income qualified residents. The plan reduces the water portion of the bill every month and also lowers charges for other TPU services.
- Eligibility for a credit on water bills is based on household size and monthly gross income. The application requires proof of income and residency and is submitted online or through the Customer Solutions Office at Tacoma Public Utilities, 3628 South 35th Street, Tacoma WA 98409. More information, including the current income limits and application files, is available at customer service from (253) 502-8600.
Tacoma Public Utilities also offers a Discount Rate program for older adults and individuals receiving SSI or SSDI disability income. This program provides significantly reduced water, wastewater, stormwater, and other city utility rates for residents with fixed incomes, with a goal of helping seniors over the age of 60 in WA. It is intended as a long term affordability measure rather than a one time crisis program. The application and age or disability documentation are processed through the same Customer Solutions Office, and dial (253) 502-8600 for more.
- The applicant must be low income and meet income guidelines as well as other criteria, such as being disabled. Their total monthly gross household income, which includes all household members and income from all sources, must not exceed certain thresholds. You can dial the water company at the numbers below to get the current acceptable income levels.
Households with past due balances can enter a payment arrangement before water service is shut off. Tacoma Public Utilities allows interest free installment plans on overdue amounts and also permits customers to enroll in budget billing so that water costs are averaged throughout the year. Plans, whether for past due bills or extensions, can be requested through the online account portal at https://myaccount.mytpu.org/ or by calling 253-502-8608. Payment plans are the fastest way to stop a pending disconnection, and households are encouraged to call before the shutoff date on the bill.
Repairs to plumbing and related costs is available in Pierce County too. Another important local option is the Tacoma Water Grants and Loans Program. Many residents face high water bills because of leaks on customer owned service lines, such as where the line goes into the house. When a leak is confirmed, the household may apply for either a zero interest loan or an income based grant that pays for repair work completed by licensed contractors.
- While funding varies, grants and loans can cover up to five thousand dollars of repair costs. The money is paid directly to a licensed plumbing contractor after the work is finished, and the utility places a lien on the property for loans.
Charity and government organizations in Pierce County that help pay water costs
Several Pierce County and statewide agencies help residents free up money or provide emergency financial help to pay for water costs - though wastewater costs are not paid as often by a non-profit. Metropolitan Development Council operates a large energy assistance office that serves Tacoma and surrounding communities. While the organization mainly pays heating and power bills, many households use the assistance to stabilize their budgets and stay current on water charges. MDC also connects residents to housing stability and other basic needs programs and find more details on financial resources offered by MDC in Pierce County.
Pierce County residents with disconnection notices or overdue balances on a water bill can also get help from the government. The Pierce County, and statewide, Department of Social and Health Services Community Services Division can provide free money, cash benefits and other emergency financial support, including often with water costs. Learn more on government benefits in Pierce County.
Conclusion
Anyone who is struggling to keep their water on or pay for wastewater, and is facing a pending water shutoff should contact Tacoma Public Utilities immediately, with the phone number at 253-502-8608 and website: https://www.mytpu.org/customer-service/. This is important since most successful outcomes including payment plans occur when customers speak with the utility before the disconnection date. Residents are encouraged to combine options such as a payment arrangement with TPU, an MDC or county energy grant to free up income, with some local charities directly paying past due water bills.
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