In addition to sources in the Green River watershed, we own 24 wells located in and around the city. Our wells pump water from aquifers, which are underground layers of water saturated sand and gravel. This water comes from local rainfall, which has percolated deep into the soil.

The majority of the groundwater we use comes from wells in the South Tacoma wellfield. The South Tacoma wells pump from very productive underground aquifers that stretch from the north of the Nalley Valley all the way to Lakewood.

We first began developing the wells in South Tacoma in the early 1900's and currently have 14 wells in this wellfield. Our wells can pump about 60 million gallons per day.

Not only have these wells been critical to the past and present of our utility, but they are critical to the future drinking water supply for our customers.

During the summer months, the wells help meet peak summer water needs. The need for groundwater is expected to increase in the coming years as water demands continue to grow. These wells will be invaluable to help meet Tacoma Water’s future needs.