Public Works

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns. We are available (with the exception of holidays) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at (360) 491-5600.

You can find additional contact information for the Public Works Department under our Contact Us section.

General Public Works Questions

1. How can I get help from the Public Works Department during business and non-business hours?

2. What are some examples of emergency assistance that can be provided?

3. If I notice vandalism or an unsafe situation in any of the city parks, what should I do?

4. What are the rules for using parks facilities?

Sewer Service Questions

1. How does the city control the sewer system to ensure that it operates properly?

2. What is a STEP System?

3. If my STEP System alarm goes off, what should I do?

4. How do I find out how close sewer lines are to my property?

5. What is a latecomers agreement?

6. Is City sewer going to come by my house soon? Will I be forced to hook up?

7. Can I pay my sewer connection fees over time?

8. Who do I call about questions on my sewer bill?

9. Who do I call about questions on my utility bill?

10. Are there any special procedures that residents should use when their house is serviced by a STEP System?

11. Do power outages have any effect on city sewer service?

Stormwater Facility Questions

1. If a homeowner's association needs technical assistance to determine what maintenance needs to be done on their stormwater treatment ponds, will the city assist them?

2. If I experience street flooding that is close to flooding my house or business, or it presents a safety hazard, what can I do?

3. What is the responsibility of commercial businesses?

4. Why do I have to pay a monthly Stormwater Fee in my utility bill?

Streets and Sidewalks Questions

1. How can I report a pothole, burned-out streetlight, malfunctioning traffic signal, or other problem?

2. Who maintains street trees and irrigation?

3. Who is responsible for repairing a broken sidewalk in front of my house?

4. When and how often do streets get swept within the City?

5. What is the City's plan for removing snow and ice on streets during winter storms?

6. What can I do to address neighborhood traffic concerns?

Water Service Questions

1. How does the water system operate?

2. If there is a power outage within the city, will we still have water service?

3. What kind of water pressure should I expect to see in my house or building?

4. Does the city treat its water with chlorine or fluoride?

5. How often is the water sampled to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations?

6. If I have a leak in the water line outside my house, who is responsible for accomplishing the repairs?

7. How do I find out how close water lines are to my property?

8. What is a latecomers agreement?

9. Is City water going to come by my house soon? Will I be forced to hook up?

10. Can I pay my water connection fees over time?

11. Who do I call about questions on my water bill?

Odd / Even Outdoor Watering Policies

1. Why has Lacey’s water utility implemented odd / even outdoor watering?

2. How does odd / even outdoor watering work?

3. How long will I have to schedule my outdoor watering?

4. Does the new policy apply to washing your personal car?

5. What if someone fails to follow the Odd / Even Outdoor Water Policy?

6. Does the Odd / Even Outdoor Water Policy apply to the City of Lacey's municipal operations and public property?

7. Are there other exemptions to the Odd / Even Outdoor Water Policy?

8. What if I recently planted a new lawn, which requires more frequent watering?

9. Why is Friday a “non-watering" day?

10. Can I water my potted plants and hanging baskets?

11. What if I irrigate my yard with a private well?

12. What is the proper amount of water to maintain a healthy lawn?

13. Where can I find more information on wise water practices?

Watering Flushing Program

1. There is a lot of water in the street. Why?

2. Why are you wasting all that water?

3. Why are you telling us to conserve when you are letting that much water run down the street?

4. All this water must cost money. Will this affect my water rates?

5. I see a lot of water flowing down the street. Where is it flowing?

6. Will this water harm surface water or ground waters?

7. What are you trying to remove from the water lines?

8. Why is the water brown and dirty?

9. How will this affect my tap water?

10. What should I do if my water is brown?

11. What if my water doesn’t clear up after running the tap for 30 minutes?

12. Why should I have to pay for all this water I had to let go through my tap to get rid of the brown water?