Wide illustrated banner showing a lakeside scene with mountains, trees, and a bright sun in the background. A wooden dock extends over the water on the right. On the left, a pink flamingo pool float and a large letter U decorated with a white flower appear. A purple banner across the center reads ‘UTILITIES & YOU.’ A teal badge on the lower right corner displays ‘JUNE 2026’ with a small sun icon.

Utility Lobby Construction Begins This Summer

On June 15 we began construction to improve safety and energy-efficiency in the front entrance (atrium) and lobby at our main building. Expect construction to continue through September 2026. During construction, the front entrance will close, but you can still use the west entrance near the A1 parking lot when visiting. We’ll post signs to guide you to the entrance and available parking.

An illustrated construction worker places orange and white traffic cones in front of Tacoma Public Utilities’ administrative building on a clear day featuring a large glass entrance with landscaping and walkways leading to the front doors.

To avoid delays, you may find it easier to pay online, by phone, or at a Pay Box near you.

We know construction can be inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience while work is underway.

A green button that reads “Learn more and view project updates at MyTPU.org/Atrium.”

A man in sunglasses and a blue shirt and shorts kneels in front of a landscaped yard, looking at a sprinkler system, with pliers and sprinkler head in hand. Graphics of grass and flowers appear along the bottom.

Use Water Wisely to Help Lower Summer Water Bills

From June 1 through Sept. 30, Tacoma Water charges a slightly higher rate for water use above 5 CCF. A CCF is a unit of water measurement equal to 100 cubic feet, or about 748 gallons of water.

Tier 2 rates are designed to encourage efficient water use during the months when demand is highest. Using water wisely outdoors can help lower your bill while supporting a reliable water supply for the community, especially during the peak summer months.

We offer payment assistance and conservation programs to support our customers. Water landscapes early in the day, repair leaks promptly, and use smart irrigation controllers or hose timers to prevent overwatering. Letting your lawn go dormant during the summer also helps support our community’s water conservation goal.

A blue button that reads “Start saving at MyTPU.org/WaterSmart” positioned on top of a water wave graphic.

Stay Current on Water Supply Conditions

Your drinking water comes from two sources: the Green River watershed and a network of groundwater wells.

We monitor both sources closely throughout the year. We currently have ample water supplies and do not anticipate a water shortage this summer. The Green River watershed and a network of groundwater wells improve system reliability and flexibility during dry years. Our water supply indicator makes understanding up-to-date water supply conditions easy.

A gauge labeled “Water Supply Indicator” displays water supply levels ranging from red “Critical” to blue “Abundant.” The needle points to the center of the green zone, indicating ample water supply. A blue button reading “Take a look at MyTPU.org/WaterSupply” appears below the gauge.

Picture of a couple sitting on the couch, looking through documents with a laptop computer sitting on the coffee table in front of them. Image is being used to represent a couple working on their budget. A light blue water wave graphic appears at the top and a dark blue calculator icon appears in the bottom left-hand corner.

Biennial Budget Process Update

As a public, not-for-profit utility, we set rates to cover the cost of providing safe, reliable, essential services, including clean water, electricity, and rail services at the Port of Tacoma.

Over the past six months, our teams have reviewed planned projects for the 2027–2028 biennium, estimated costs for materials, labor, and operations, and forecasted revenue to determine whether rate adjustments are needed to maintain a balanced budget.

In July, TPU divisions will present their draft budgets and rate proposals to the Public Utility Board. Visit MyTPU.org/Rates to find information about upcoming meetings and how you can get involved.

Public Utility Board Member Spotlight

Meet Board Chair, John O’Loughlin.

A lifelong Tacoma resident, Chair O’Loughlin has spent decades serving the community he calls home. As chair of the Tacoma Public Utility Board, he brings a deep appreciation for Tacoma’s history, public service, and long-term planning.

John earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Washington, where he first connected science with environmental stewardship. When Tacoma and the Tideflats became a Superfund site, he felt driven to help restore the community he loves.

Public Utility Board Chair John O’Loughlin looking toward the camera.

During more than 30 years with the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department, he contributed to major environmental projects, including the Foss Waterway cleanup.

Today, he helps guide Tacoma Public Utilities with a focus on reliability, sustainability, and customer service.

Green button that reads “Click here to read what he had to say” appears on top of a light grey City of Tacoma downtown skyline.

Tacoma Water Publishes Annual Water Quality Report

Our annual Water Quality Report is a great way to learn where your drinking water comes from, and how we keep it clean and reliable.

The new report shares the latest water quality testing results, which show Tacoma’s drinking water continues to exceed state and federal standards. It also outlines the benefits of our diverse water supply and how we treat your water to keep it safe.

Blue button that reads “You can read the report online beginning June 26 at MyTPU.org/WQR25.”

The cover art of the 2025 Water Quality Report that shows a watercolor image of a Tacoma Water well station surrounded by trees. An image of a glass of drinking water appears in the foreground.

Ground-level view of a brush fire with flames and smoke spreading across dry vegetation, with a blue wave graphic overlaid across the top and a small flame icon in the lower-right corner.

Preparing Together for Wildfire Season

Summer conditions can quickly shift from lush green lawns to dry grass and smoky skies. These conditions can spark brush fires in and around our community. We prepare to ensure reliable power and safety for the community and our essential workforce.

Long before fire season, we monitor weather and fire conditions, inspect power lines and equipment, trim trees and vegetation near our system, and make upgrades to reduce the risk of electrical equipment starting or contributing to fires. That includes using covered wire in targeted areas, adding protective equipment, and replacing aging poles and equipment. Tacoma Power’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan also includes education outreach and providing you real-time notifications during active situations.

Power is only part readiness. During fire season, changing conditions can affect roads, air quality, emergency response, and electric service. A few simple steps can help you feel more prepared and ensure you know how to respond.

Stay aware of local conditions, have a basic household plan, and bookmark trusted emergency resources like the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Pierce County Emergency Management, and Ready.gov.

Wildfire readiness works best when we all prepare. We’ll continue working with fire agencies, emergency management teams, other utilities, and community partners to protect the community and keep essential services operating.

Summer Safety Tip: Cold Water Can Be Dangerous — Even on Hot Days

Planning to visit a Tacoma Power park or be out on the water this summer? Even on hot days, the water can still be dangerously cold.

Many of our reservoirs and rivers are fed by snowmelt and mountain runoff, which keeps water temperatures cold well into the summer. Cold water shock can happen quickly and unexpectedly, affecting even strong swimmers and experienced boaters.

Sudden immersion in water below 70 degrees can cause gasping, rapid breathing, muscle weakness, and loss of coordination, making it difficult to swim or stay afloat.

Whether boating, fishing, paddling, or swimming, a few extra precautions can help keep you safe.

Cartoon-style beach scene featuring a wooden dock extending over calm water. A pink flamingo float and a colorful beach ball float near the shore, with sand in the foreground and a circular icon showing eyeglasses in the lower-left corner.

Cold Water Safety Tips

Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Never swim or boat alone.
Enter cold water gradually to help your body adjust.
Avoid alcohol or drugs while boating or swimming.
Stay aware of changing water and weather conditions.
Follow all posted recreation and boating safety guidelines.

A blue button that reads “Learn more about recreation safety at MyTPU.org/Parks” appears on top of a background graphic of trees and mountains.

Power Move #19: Letting Us Help You Buy a New Cooling and Heating System

When temperatures rise, your energy use can too. If you struggle to keep your home cool during summer, consider upgrading your cooling and heating system.

Modern heat pumps provide efficient cooling in the summer and heating in the winter while using less energy than older systems. You can get rebates and incentives from Tacoma Power that can make upgrading more affordable while lowering long-term energy costs.

Not ready to commit to an upgrade? No problem.

A group of friends on couches and chairs smile, talk, relax and react to an implied basketball game on television in a living room with snacks and drinks spread across a coffee table in front of them. A wall-mounted heat pump cools the room in the background. An orange thermometer icon appears in the lower-left corner.

Here are a few simple Power Moves to keep you cool and save energy this summer:

Close blinds or curtains during the day to reduce indoor temperatures. Ceiling and portable fans can also cool rooms while using less energy than air conditioning.

Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you're away or asleep if you use air conditioning or a heat pump. Regularly replace air filters for efficiency.

Open windows overnight or early in the morning to bring cool air into your home. Once temperatures rise, close windows and blinds to keep cool air inside.

Run ovens, dishwashers, and dryers later in the evening when temperatures cool. Sealing air leaks around windows and doors can also improve comfort year-round.

Orange button that reads “Learn more about rebates and incentives at MyTPU.org/PowerMoves.”

U* Trivia - Answer and Win

This issue’s question. Read closely for your chance to win.

Be one of 50 randomly chosen people with the correct answer, and we will mail you a prize.

To enter, submit your answer no later than July 31 by clicking the button or by mail to:

U* Trivia
3628 S. 35th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

For mail-in entries, include your name, phone number, and mailing address.

Graphic that reads “Cold water shock can occur when someone suddenly enters water below what temperature?” Options include A) 85 degrees, B) 70 degrees, C) 60 degrees, D) 50 degrees.

City of Tacoma employees and their immediate family members are ineligible to win. One entry per household.