Southwood Water System Water Company

Managing corrosion in our water system protects your health and plumbing. We add sodium hydroxide to raise the pH level, making water less corrosive to household pipes. This significantly reduces potential lead and copper leaching into your tap water.

We've treated the Green Water supply this way since the 1990s and our South Tacoma groundwater wells since 2014. Our lead and copper levels remain well below Federal and Washington State Health Department requirements.

Recent system evaluation used historical data, industry research and extensive pilot testing to ensure optimal corrosion control. Our testing involved extracting old pipe sections from the water system, installing them in test loops, and exposing them to specific water sources that mimic typical household usage patterns.

Water samples were collected weekly over seven months and analyzed for lead, copper, and other water quality parameters. Results confirm our current practices provide excellent protection against metal contamination. We optimize pH and alkalinity while utilizing chlorine, which serves both as a disinfectant and helps prevent lead dissolution.

Our Integrated Resource Strategy (IRP) helps us maintain resilient water supplies for our community. While we primarily rely on Green Water, we can utilize groundwater wells during droughts to meet up to 50% of summer demand. This balanced approach helps us anticipate changes in climate, regulations, and population growth.

Community input remains essential to our planning process. Our Public Advisory Panel, representing diverse perspectives, provides valuable insights that inform our policy decisions. The updated IRP will help us manage our water resources cost-effectively and responsibly.

1. Where does Southwood Water System water come from?
   Southwood Water System supplies purchased surface water to Pierce County, Washington.
2. Does Southwood Water System test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Southwood Water System must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Southwood Water System?
   Call 253-591-5000 or visit 747 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Southwood Water System water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Southwood Water System water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.