Tumwater on Tap
Message from the Mayor

One of my roles as Mayor of Tumwater is to keep you updated on the "State of the City." I've been traveling around the community talking about accomplishments, challenges ahead, and strategic plans for the future. Here are some highlights. 

We are fortunate to have a City Council and staff that are working well together to stretch your tax dollars. While it remains challenging to have the funds needed to deliver the services you've come to expect, recent Tumwater voter support for public safety and street maintenance tax measures have set a solid foundation for our community.

There is renewed interest in the brewery with the recent sale of the main brewery complex to a capable company. We are also making progress on our plan to transform Capitol Boulevard, and improvements in our bus, bicycle, and sidewalk networks. We recently completed the largest annexation in City history (the trails end area east of the airport with over 3,000 people and 40 businesses), and are working hard to integrate this area into the City. Growth in participation in our volunteer programs, and parks and recreational activities continues. We have a new hotel (LaQuita) on Capitol Boulevard, and a new car dealership (Toyota) has announced they are moving to Tumwater next to the freeway. And we are moving ahead with updates to our parks, transportation, and land use plans that will set a vision for the next decade and beyond.

I'm proud of all we've accomplished together and I'm looking forward to another exciting year for Tumwater with lots of opportunities for civic engagement.
Register for Tumwater University today!

In 2010, the Tumwater City Council adopted a set a strategic priorities, including doing more to communicate and engage with citizens and businesses. To help implement this priority and bring members of the community together, Tumwater University was created. For two evenings, staff, guest lecturers, and elected officials offer informative and interactive classes at Tumwater City Hall. Along with simply having fun, we hope every Tumwater University student gains a better understanding of local government, learns about City programs and services, and has an opportunity to contribute ideas. All students receive a course book with resources and information to help choose their courses (which is made available on the City website after the event). At graduation, every student receives a Tumwater University diploma and t-shirt (students must attend both evening sessions to qualify).
Join us on February 22nd and 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The roster is filling up fast. We hope to see you in class! Register online at www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/tumwater-university
If you have questions or would like additional information about Tumwater University, please contact the City's volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ci.tumwater.wa.us or call (360) 242-5424.
 
Should I be concerned about lead in Tumwater's drinking water?

With lead in drinking water currently making headlines, water customers may be wondering about the safety of our water supply. The City of Tumwater takes precautions to be sure that the water we provide to customers is safe.

Our water supply is routinely tested and adheres to high quality standards set by the Washington Department of Health and the E.P.A. The source of our drinking water is at or below the minimum detection limits. There are no known lead pipes in the City's distribution system.

Lead in plumbing fixtures within older homes or businesses pose the greatest possible risk. The City of Tumwater performs lead monitoring at the tap every three years. The next round will be performed this summer.

The only way to know with certainty if you have lead at the tap is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory. If you are concerned, Tumwater Public Works can provide you with a list of certified labs. Other ways you can minimize your potential exposure include purchasing a certified water filter that removes lead, making sure you run water to flush the system, and avoid consuming water from the hot water tap, where lead is more likely to be present.

Contact Public Works at (360) 754-4140.
Preventing Car Theft

Citizens of Tumwater, along with those of Olympia, Lacey, and Thurston County have seen a marked increase in auto thefts in the past few months. In the last half of 2015, Tumwater averaged four car thefts per month. In January of this year, Tumwater had seventeen. 

To protect yourself from vehicle theft, the Tumwater Police Department recommends you park in well-lit areas, never leave your keys inside the vehicle, and use all installed car safety features like door locks and alarm systems. Be sure to remove valuables from your vehicle when it isn't being used, but avoid transferring belongings to your trunk after you have parked. People may be watching. For added protection, install vehicle immobilizer systems like fuel cut-off switches or smart keys.

In order to prevent officers from identifying stolen vehicles, thieves have increasingly stolen or switched license plates from a similar vehicle type. Tumwater Police remind community members to regularly verify that the license plates on their vehicle are correct.
 

Volunteer for Home Fire Preparedness Day

In partnership with the American Red Cross, we are installing free (grant funded) smoke alarms, in select Tumwater neighborhoods for Home Fire Preparedness Day. We could use some help! Join us for this meaningful project on February 27th at 9:30 a.m. starting at the Tumwater Fire Station. Training will be provided before heading out to the neighborhoods. 

Register as a volunteer or learn more by contacting volunteer@ci.tumwater.wa.us or (360) 252-5424. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.

For more information regarding fire safety and home preparedness, visit the City website.
City of Tumwater  | (360) 754-5855 |  www.ci.tumwater.wa.us
See what's happening on our social media:

View our videos on YouTube   Like us on Facebook