FAQ – Get answers to the most common questions. 
The questions listed below are some of the more typical ones we are asked. If none of these answers helps you, please contact us at 253-531-9024.
Where is SWC’s office located?
Our office is located at 18413 B Street East, Spanaway WA 98387
What are the SWC office hours?
Our office ours are 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday
How do I set up an account with SWC?
You can set up your account with SWC by calling our office at 253-531-9024 Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
How often do you bill for water service?
Customer are billed every two months
What are your water rates?
Please see out rate page for our current rate structure.
Does SWC have an automatic pay system?
SWC offers automatic withdrawal (ACH) from either a savings or checking account. All that needs to be done is fill out this simple form and return to SWC office. Automatic payments from your credit or debit card can be set up through our online payment system.
How do I make a payment?
Payments can be made by phone with Visa, MasterCard or Discover, by mail (PO Box 1000, Spanaway, WA 98387), in person at our office or over the web through our online payment system.
Can I make an advance payment on my bill?
Yes. SWC accepts advance payments that will be credited to your account. You will still receive a statement, but it will reflect the amount that has been credited to your account
Can you email me my bill?
SWC can email your water bills and reminder notices. You can set this up by calling our office at 253-531-9024 or selecting this option through our online payment system.
Where is my shut-off valve?
You may not have one, not all homes do. If you have one it may be located in the garage or buried underneath an outside hose faucet. It could be in the basement or even in a hall closet.
Where is my water meter located?
It varies. It should sit on the county right of way
How do I read my water meter?
You can read your water meter much like that of an odometer in your car. The meter reads from left to right. If you need any help with this please call our office at 253-531-9024
I need to turn my water off for repairs. How do I do this?
If you do not have a main shut off valve on the owner’s side of the meter SWC can shut the water off at the water meter. In the event of an emergency here are some tips to safely shut the meter off.
Locate your water meter. Water meters are typically located:
- in iron, plastic or concrete boxes sunk in the ground;
- in the parking strip or sidewalk in front of or at the side of your house;
- and they are covered by a 1×2 ft. metal plate, plastic lid or concrete lid that says water.
- Remove the water meter cover.
- Locate the shut-off valve that is attached to the water meter.
- Turn shut-off valve clockwise by hand or with a crescent wrench. Turn until the two valve holes line up to indicate the valve is closed. The meter dial stops spinning.
If you have any trouble with this please contact our office at 253-531-9024 and we can send a technician to your property to do this for you.
How do I check for a leak?
Turn off all water fixtures in your home. Look at your water meter. If the leak triangle or pinwheel is moving, you have a possible leak
My pipes are making noises, what is the problem?
It could be a loose pipe, faulty toilet, or a faulty irrigation valve.
Where does the customer’s responsibility begin?
At the connection on the customer’s side of the water meter
If I dig on my property, whom do I notify?
Call the Utilities Underground Location Center at 811
Where does our water come from?
SWC draws water from 11 wells located in the Spanaway area of the Chambers/Clover Creek watershed.
How many gallons are there in a 100 cubic feet of water?
There are748 gallons in 100 cubic feet of water
What’s in SWC’s water?
The only thing that SWC adds to the water is chlorine for disinfection purposes and sodium hydroxide for PH adjustment. For a list of chemicals and minerals found naturally occurring in the water please see our annual report
How often is the water tested?
SWC takes 30 water samples a month to ensure the safety of your drinking water. For more information on these tests please consult our annual report.
Why is my toilet discolored?
Minerals in the water have a tendency to discolor things such as toilet bowls because water sits in them for long periods of time
What is my water pressure?
The typical water pressure is SWC’s service area averages between 50-70 PSI
When is flushing done?
Flushing is done every Tuesday in different locations of our service area. To find out if we are in your area please call our office at 253-531-9024.
Why is flushing done?
To purge the water mains of excess minerals that might cause water to become cloudy.
Is it ok to flush toilet when there is flushing going on?
Yes it is
Is it ok to do laundry when there is flushing going on?
It is not recommended that you do laundry when flushing is going on because the minerals in the water can stain your clothing.
Do I notify SWC if I put in a sprinkler system?
Yes. According to Washington Administrative Code 246-290-490 you must report your sprinkler system to SWC.
Is there Fluoride in the water?
SWC does not add Fluoride to the water.
How can I keep my pipes from freezing in cold weather?
The best thing to do is wrap any pipes that are exposed. Another suggestion is to let water drip in a sink. This will keep water moving and thus prevent freezing during a severe cold spell.