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Sewer Billing - Frequently Asked Questions

Pierce County's Sewer Billing Department is staffed from 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday to answer all your questions and information needs. Please check through the following FAQ's for the most asked questions and requests that staff receives. If you cannot find your answer here please contact us for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
1. When is my bill due?
2. What is the 'Late Fee' on my bill?
3. What if my check is returned by the bank?
4. Why was my account Liened?
5. How do I get the Lien released?
6. Do you offer Automatic Bank Payments?
7. Do you accept Debit or Credit Card Payments?
8. How do I start or stop my Service?
9. What are the current sewer rates and charges?
10. Who receives the Sewer Bill?
11. What if my billing address changes?

1. When is my bill due?

Current Bills are due 25 days from the billing date. Late Bills are due immediately.

2. What is the 'Late Fee' on my bill?

If payment is not received by the due date, a 10% penalty on the latest amount billed and interest on the balance at an annual rate of 8% will be charged. Failure to receive the bill does not waive penalty or interest charges. Property owners are legally responsible for all charges. If payments are posted to the account by the due date you will not be assessed late charges. Refer to PCC Title 13.13.025 B for supporting Code reference.

3. What if my check is returned by the bank?

Returned checks will cancel the sewer payment and result in a handling fee (currently twenty five ($25) dollars) and applicable late charges. Refer to PCC Title 13.13.035 for supporting Code reference.

4. Why was my account Liened?

A lien is filed on all accounts with balances or partial balances which are 60 days or more past due. A lien recording, release and processing charge will be added to the sewer account at the time the lien is placed on the property. Refer to PCC Title 13.13.045 and RCW 36.94.150 for references.

5. How do I get the Lien released?

Liens are released when the account is paid to a zero balance. If paid by check, the lien releases 30 days from the payment date. If paid by secured funds (cash, cashier's check or money order) the lien can be released immediately at the customer's request.

6. Do you offer Automatic Bank Payments?

Yes. Pierce County offers you the option of having the amount of your sewer bill automatically deducted monthly from your checking or savings account. Advantages of this program are:

No more check writing.
Payments post on the due date to eliminate late charges.
Saves on postage and allows your bill to be paid when you are away from home.
For information or to request the Automatic Payment Plan, download the ACH form or contact our Customer Service Department at (253) 798-4020.

7. Do you accept Debit or Credit Card Payments?

No. At this time we do not accept debit or credit card payments.

8. How do I start or stop my Service?

When you sell or purchase property, please contact our Customer Service Department at (253) 798-4020.

9. What are the current sewer rates and charges?

Please see the Sewer Rate Table.

10. Who receives the Sewer Bill?

We are required to bill the owner of record as indicated on the County's Assessor/Treasurer's real property records for each property billed for sewer service. If you desire to designate a tenant or property manager to receive the sewer utility bill(s), please provide a completed Letter of Authorization affidavit form. Download the LOA form or contact our Customer Service Department at (253) 798-4020. The legal owner of the property is ultimately responsible for the bill if the tenant or property manager fails to pay the sewer bill. Refer to PCC Title 13.13.025A for supporting Code reference.

11. What if my Billing Address Changes?

You may use the change of billing address on the front of your sewer bill or you may contact the Billing Department at (253) 798-4683 during normal business hours 7:30am -4:30 pm Monday through Friday, to notify us of any changes. Please include a phone number that you can be reached at during business hours.