Deposits may be required from residential customers for electric and water services. These deposits may be waived for property owners and for customers who have established a satisfactory payment history with Tacoma Public Utilities. Other waiver options may be available.

Waiver options for residential customers:
  • You must own the home or property. Mobile home owners must own the property their home is on.
  • You must have satisfactory credit with Tacoma Public Utilities for 12 consecutive months in the past two years.
  • You may supply a letter of satisfactory credit from another electric, gas or water utility for 12 consecutive months in the past two years.
  • You may provide documentation from a credit bureau of 12 consecutive months of satisfactory credit history within the past two years.
  • Renters may provide a signed owner's guarantee from the property owner.
  • You may provide a signed co-signer's guarantee from a current Tacoma Public Utilities customer with two years of satisfactory credit history.
  • You may provide documentation of participation in the America's Credit Union Smart Club program (military association required).
A deposit may be requested if a customer has used a waiver option and fails to keep the account in good credit standing.

Tacoma Public Utilities deposit amounts are:
  • Home with electric heat - $200
  • Apartment with electric heat - $100
  • Home without electric heat - $85
  • Apartment without electric heat - $55
  • Water - $40
Deposits are due 30 days from the start of service.

You can pay your residential deposit by:
  • Mailing a check or money order to (allow seven to 10 days for processing):
Tacoma Public Utilities
PO Box 11007
Tacoma, WA 98411-0007
  • Calling our automated line at (253) 502-8608 to pay your deposit using your credit or debit card.
  • Paying online by clicking here pay your bill online.
  • Using one of our convenient Paystations located in Safeway Stores throughout our service territory, and at our TPU Administration Building.
  • Paying in person at the Tacoma Public Utilities Administration Building at 3628 South 35th Street
Your deposit will be applied to your utility bill after 12 consecutive months of good payment history and if you maintain an acceptable credit rating. Otherwise, the deposit will be applied to your final utility bill if you move out of Tacoma Public Utilities service area.