Firgrove Mutual Water Co Inc.
10408 144th St East, Puyallup, WA 98374-4958 • Hours - Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm • 253-845-1542 • After Hour Emergencies 253-377-7356

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Frequently Asked Questions

All questions are good questions. Here are our responses to those most commonly asked.

Where can I pay my bill?

Firgrove Mutual Water is located at 10408 144th ST E, Puyallup WA 98374. From Meridian you will turn East on 144th. Our office is on the right side approximately 1 block from Meridian.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept cash, checks, money orders, debit and credit cards. Payments can also be made through your bank's bill pay system, and by automatic deduction from your bank account. Click here for Firgrove's auto-pay form.

When is my bill due?

Your payment should be received in the Firgrove Office by the last day of the month after which your account was billed. Example: Your billing cycle is from February 1-March 31. Your billing is sent out on March 31 and is due April 30.

How much is the late fee if I don't pay on time?

The current late fee is $12.00, $20.00 to deliver a shut off notice and $30.00 if Firgrove shuts off your water due to non-payment. To have water turned back on the charge is $30.00 during regular business hours and $60.00 after hours.

What are your office hours?

Firgrove is open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

 

Please note we will be closed for the following holidays:

New Years Day (observed)

Friday, 12/31/21

President's Day

Monday, 2/21/22

Memorial Day

Monday, 5/30/22 and Tuesday 5/31/22

Independence Day

Monday, 7/4/22

Labor Day

Friday, 9/2/22 and Monday, 9/5/22 

Thanksgiving

Thursday, 11/24/22 and Friday, 11/25/22

Christmas (observed)

Friday, 12/23/22 and Monday, 12/26/22 

Is my water fluoridated?

No, Firgrove does not fluoridate its own ground water supply.  Less than 15% of the water we deliver to our customers is purchased from Tacoma Public Utilities. However, Tacoma’s water supply is fluoridated. The recommended dosage for purveyors that fluoridate the water supply is 0.7 parts per million. Firgrove recommends following your pediatrician’s or dentist’s recommendations for fluoride treatment. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Steve Sacksteder, Water Quality Technician @253-286-2847 or SSacksteder@firgrove.org.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Water Availability?

You will need to fill out Part A of the Water Availability Form that can be found on this website. Return the form to the Firgrove office for processing. Waiting times and fees will vary, please contact the office for this information.

What do I need to do to install a sprinkler system?

No official permits are required through Firgrove. You will need to check with Pierce County to determine its permit requirements. You will need to pick up a packet issued to you from the Firgrove office. This packet lists all of the necessary steps and includes all of the forms you will need for your installation.

How do I find buried utility lines?

Contact Utilities Underground Location Center at 1-800-424-5555 or 811 at least 2 days before you plan to dig. You may also connect to them through the Call Before You Dig website.

What is a backflow assembly?

A backflow assembly is a component of your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection that keeps the dirty water in that system from flowing backwards into your plumbing and the public drinking water.

What if I don't have a backflow assembly?

You will need to have one installed and then tested within the allotted time frame.

How much does backflow testing cost?

Testing is not completed by Firgrove Mutual Water Company. Depending on the contractor that you select, costs will vary. Please contact a tester to find out what their fees are.

What are the chances that a backflow incident is going to occur?

In our service area, we tend to have a backflow assembly failure rate of 20-30% each year and it is not usually repeat failure of the same assembly. The American Water Works Association produces a compilation of reported backflow incidents. There are hundreds of occurrences across the nation and the compilation only includes those that have been reported.

I have had my sprinkler system or building for years, why am I being required to do this now?

Sprinkler system installers are required to report sprinkler system installations to the water purveyor and all remodels are to be coordinated with the water purveyor as well. This does not always occur. Many homeowners install their own sprinkler systems and business owners remodel their facilities and do not realize that there are requirements for reporting. Without proper reporting, Firgrove does not have record of your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and relies on other means of notification. Your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection has just been identified in the last calendar year and therefore testing is now required.

What if I opt to not complete the backflow testing?

If you choose not to complete the required annual testing, Firgrove will schedule a tester to have it completed for you. There will be additional costs associated and all will be billed on your water account.

Why does my backflow assembly have to be tested every year?

Your backflow assembly is a mechanical device with moving parts that can break just like your car can break down. The State of Washington has determined that annual testing is most appropriate as stated in WAC 246-290.

Why is backflow testing my responsibility?

Your backflow assembly’s installation and maintenance, which includes annual testing, is your responsibility because it is protecting the public water supply from your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection. If not for your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection, there would be no need for the backflow assembly.

Can I do the backflow testing myself?

Only State certified Backflow Assembly Testers are qualified to test backflow assemblies per WAC 246-290. Certification requires training, testing, and certification through the State of Washington Department of Health. It also requires continuing education and renewal of the certification each year.

What if I am selling my house or business?

It is necessary to have the testing completed regardless of whether your house is on the market. The only way to avoid testing is to remove the backflow assembly, disconnect and cap your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and have Firgrove personnel certify and document the physical disconnection.

What if my house or building is vacant?

It is necessary to have the testing completed regardless of whether your property is vacant. The only way to avoid testing is to remove the backflow assembly, disconnect and cap your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and have Firgrove personnel certify and document the physical disconnection.

Backflow Assembly Testing

What is a backflow assembly?
A backflow assembly is a component of your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection that keeps the dirty water in that system from flowing backwards into your plumbing and the public drinking water.

Why does my backflow assembly have to be tested every year?
Your backflow assembly is a mechanical device with moving parts that can break just like your car can break down. The State of Washington has determined that annual testing is most appropriate as stated in WAC 246-290.

Why is it my responsibility?
Your backflow assembly’s installation and maintenance, which includes annual testing, is your responsibility because it is protecting the public water supply from your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection. If not for your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection, there would be no need for the backflow assembly.

What are the chances that a backflow incident is going to occur?
In our service area, we tend to have a backflow assembly failure rate of 20-30% each year and it is not usually repeat failure of the same assembly. The American Water Works Association produces a compilation of reported backflow incidents. There are hundreds of occurrences across the nation and the compilation only includes those that have been reported.

How much is this going to cost?
Testing is not completed by Firgrove Mutual Water Company. Depending on the contractor that you select, costs will vary. Please contact a tester to find out what their fees are.

What if I opt to not complete the testing?
If you choose not to complete the required annual testing, Firgrove will schedule a tester to have it completed for you. There will be additional costs associated and all will be billed on your water account.

What if I am selling my house or business?
It is necessary to have the testing completed regardless of whether your house is on the market. The only way to avoid testing is to remove the backflow assembly, disconnect and cap your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and have Firgrove personnel certify and document the physical disconnection.

What if my house or building is vacant?
It is necessary to have the testing completed regardless of whether your property is vacant. The only way to avoid testing is to remove the backflow assembly, disconnect and cap your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and have Firgrove personnel certify and document the physical disconnection.

What if I don’t have a backflow assembly?
You will need to have one installed and then tested within the allotted time frame.

I have had my sprinkler system or building for years, why am I being required to do this now?
Sprinkler system installers are required to report sprinkler system installations to the water purveyor and all remodels are to be coordinated with the water purveyor as well. This does not always occur. Many homeowners install their own sprinkler systems and business owners remodel their facilities and do not realize that there are requirements for reporting. Without proper reporting, Firgrove does not have record of your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection and relies on other means of notification. Your sprinkler system or other hazardous connection has just been identified in the last calendar year and therefore testing is now required.

Can I do the testing myself?
Only State certified Backflow Assembly Testers are qualified to test backflow assemblies per WAC 246-290. Certification requires training, testing, and certification through the State of Washington Department of Health. It also requires continuing education and renewal of the certification each year.

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