Why Choose Tumwater?

Why? The choice is yours: Tumwater is a unique place to live and visit, work and play,  to make a living and make a life.

Location and access

Tumwater is the southern gateway to the Puget Sound greater metropolitan region, which stretches from Thurston County and city neighbors Olympia and Lacey through Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties.

Tumwater sits 20 minutes from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), the sixth-largest military base in the nation and a unique economic driver throughout the region.

Tumwater is uniquely positioned for an easy and scenic trip to enjoy the many splendors of the Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Coast of Washington.

Getting around

Within Tumwater itself, prominent work in key transportation corridors (such as Trosper Road near Interstate 5, Tumwater Boulevard and I-5, E Street, and Tumwater Valley Drive) is transforming the way residents and visitors can and will move through the City and the rest of Thurston County.

The award-winning Intercity Transit system links Tumwater to commerce hubs and college campuses throughout Thurston County. Call (360) 786-1881, toll free 1-800-287-6348 or TTY (360) 943-5211.

Park and ride: Find locations to park and commute on Intercity Transit online or by calling (360) 786-1881, toll free 1-800-287-6348 or TTY (360) 943-5211. 

Bicycle: Maps and bicycling information are available through the Thurston Regional Planning Council website. Online maps and pick-up locations are available on their website.

Utilities

Non-city utilities

The City of Tumwater provides general governmental services authorized by state law, including public safety (police, fire and emergency medical services), highways and streets, parks and recreation, planning and zoning, permits and inspections, general administration, and water, sewer and stormwater utility services. Other services are provided by partner public agencies, nonprofits, and private companies. For your convenience, a list of common services and links to providers is available below for new residents. See our Welcome Page for more information.

Electricity and natural gas

Puget Sound Energy is the primary gas and electric utility service provider for Tumwater and surrounding communities.  Visit the PSE website or call 1-888-225-5773. Call Before You Dig: 8-1-1 (a free underground utility location service)

For 24/7 access to real-time power outage information, including estimates of when the power will come back on to your home or business, view the outage map or call 1-888-225-5773. 

Garbage and recycling 

Thurston County Solid Waste and Recovery Center (Public) and Hazo House. Self-haul solid waste and recycling to the facility seven days a week. The Hazo House has special hours of operation and takes most hazardous household substances.

Browse to the Thurston County Solid Waste program website or call (360) 867-2491 for more information.

Trash collection

LeMay/Pacific Disposal/Waste Connections, Inc. provides curbside trash and recycling collection and hauling services to Tumwater and Thurston County residents.

Contact Customer Service by email or call (360) 923-0111.

Livability

Education

The Tumwater School District serves the City of Tumwater and beyond. It’s the third largest district in Thurston County, serving more than 6,000 students. Within the district are six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. The district also includes the New Market Skills Center, which provides career and technical education to a range of high schools in the area. 

The City works closely with the school district to develop policies that support safe routes to schools, traffic control and enforcement in school zones, and fosters a healthy community for children and families.

New Market Skills Center is a consortium of schools that provides career and technical education to high school students.

Visit the Tumwater School District website or call (360) 709-7000 for more information.

The City of Tumwater and the Tumwater School District work together to keep our schools safe. The City  provides two police officers to serve as the School Resource Officer (SRO) to Tumwater and Black Hills High School.  The SROs works with school and community partner staff, participates in training and collaborates with the district to put forward safe school policies, model ethics, and foster leadership among students.  

Higher Education

South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia, WA, (360) 754-7711

The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, (360) 867-6000

Saint Martin's University, Lacey, WA, (360) 491-4700

Brandman University (UMass Global), Lacey, WA, (360) 493-6392

Contact Us

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at (360) 754-4180.