2025 annual utility rate increase approved by council

Utility Hardship Program

The Tumwater Utility Hardship Program is one of many resources available to our community. We have gathered several other organizations that may provide assistance with water and other essential needs.

The city of Tumwater Utility Hardship Assistance Program is available to Tumwater utility customers whose household income is less than 150% of the current Federal Poverty Level, and have experienced a recent hardship. Qualifying hardships may include divorce, job loss, major illness, foreclosure, or death of immediate family member, for examples. Applicants cannot be a recipient of the city of Tumwater's Life-Line Program within the prior 12 months.

This program is administered by the Tumwater Finance Department, please contact us at Utility Billing or call (360) 754-4133.

Helping neighbors in need

The Tumwater Utility Hardship Assistance Program is a relief fund available to help qualified utility customers with past due water and sewer bills. The program is supported with voluntary donations from customers, businesses, and community members. It is administered by the Community Action Council, on behalf of the city of Tumwater.

Online donations can be made with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover card.

Make a donation by adding a little extra to your next bill payment - just specify the amount on your payment stub and write one check. Or, write a separate check and send it in with a completed Utility Assistance Donation Form PDF file

Make checks payable to “city of Tumwater,” and mail to:

Tumwater City Hall
555 Israel Road SW
Tumwater, WA 98501

One hundred percent of donated funds are used to assist your neighbors in Tumwater.  Your donation may be tax deductible, please check with your tax adviser.

Donate today, just a few extra dollars can make a difference.

Life-Line Program - discount utility rates

Discounted utility rates (sewer, stormwater, and LOTT charges) are available to low income seniors (62 and over) and low income residents with disabilities who qualify for the city of Tumwater’s Life-Line program. Visit the Utility Rates page for more details.

To apply for low income senior/disabled utility rates

Complete and return the Life-Line Application to Tumwater City Hall with the following items:

• Proof of income. (A copy of your tax return for the preceding calendar year including supporting documentation)
• Proof of age. (A state photo ID)
• Proof of disability. (A copy of doctor reports indicating the disability and possible duration.)
• Are you a tenant in a rental property? You may still quality if your water is separately metered. Be sure to include Page 3 of the application and have it signed by the property owner.
• Are you a property owner and already have an exemption for your Thurston County Property taxes? Simply let us know and we can verify if you qualify for our program without filling out the income documentation.