Sewer

New sewer rates effective Jan. 1, 2023


Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Pierce County will implement new sewer rates per Ordinance 2021-106, adopted Nov. 16, 2021. 

A rate increase is necessary to support the ongoing operation and reliability of the public sewer system. Rates help fund increasing costs for preventative maintenance, regulatory requirements, and meeting growth demands in Pierce County. It also covers the operational cost of compliance with the Department of Ecology’s new nutrient reduction permit. Learn more 

Online Sewer Billing System is now available!

Pierce County launched an upgraded and simplified billing system for sewer customers. The new system offers customers:

Sewer Billing Portal

Water and Sewer Utility Bill Assistance

Pierce County sewer customers with overdue utility bills can apply for financial assistance. Sewer customers may be eligible for up to $2,500 in assistance based on need. Learn more on the Water Assistance Program.

Sewer Line GraphicDo not flush wipes and paper towels – throw away instead!

An increase in non-flushable items in the public sewer system is occurring.

The only things that should be flushed down the toilet is what comes from your body and toilet paper. Anything else can cause blockage or severe damage to the sewer system, which is costly.

Homeowners are responsible for the part of the sewer line that runs from their home to the public lines. Those who are on a septic tank have full responsibility for maintenance and repair. Flushing other items down the toilet can be costly.

Please place a garbage can in the bathroom to dispose of anything other than toilet paper.  Learn more

Customer Tools

In the Spotlight 

 Unified Sewer Plan

Pierce County Planning and Public Works is currently updating the Unified Sewer Plan, or USP for short. The USP is the Sewer Division’s comprehensive plan, which will guide future expansion and improvements over the next 20 years.

February 2023 Fee Changes

The Capacity and the Basin Area sewer connection charges increased by 9% on Feb. 1, 2023. Pierce County collects sewer connection charges to help offset the impacts of new development on public sewer system infrastructure. Connection charges provide the funds needed to protect public health and the environment by keeping pace with growth.  The 2024 rates will go into effect Feb. 1, 2024.

New Sewer Programs

New programs are now available to reduce upfront connection fees for new businesses and loan program options for commercial and residential customers connection to dry sewer lines.

About the Sewer Division

The Sewer Division provides wastewater management, collection, and treatment services to large urban areas of Pierce County via a network of underground pipes, pump stations, manholes and the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Learn more about the division.

Take online tour of Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Contact Us

Phone:
(253) 798-4050

Sewer Billing & Customer Service:
(253) 798-4020

24-Hour Sewer Emergency: (253) 798-7000

Email:
[email protected]

Monday–Friday
9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Closed all major holidays

Mailing Address:

9850 64th St. W
University Place, WA
98467-1078