Guide
Water, sewer and gas utilities in Olympia and Lacey
When water is loose in a house, the first question is often whose pipe it is. This page covers what the cities and utilities say publicly, and marks what they do not say.
Calling soon after you find the water usually leaves more choices. The call goes to an independent contractor.
At a glance
Numbers are as published on each City's page on 5 November 2026. Confirm on the page before relying on one.
| Problem | Who | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Water leak or meter shutoff, Olympia | City of Olympia Public Works | 360.753.8333 |
| Suspected leak on your bill, Olympia | City of Olympia Utility Billing | 360.753.8340 |
| Sewer problem in the City section, Olympia | Public Works Dispatch, after a contractor finds it | 360.753.8333 |
| Sewer backup, Lacey | Lacey Operations & Maintenance Service Center | 360-491-5644 weekdays; 360-704-2740 nights and weekends |
| Gas smell | Puget Sound Energy, or 911 | 1-888-225-5773 |
Water: the meter
Olympia's drinking water utility is the City itself. It says only City staff may open the meter to turn water off or on. The City says there is no charge for a shutoff during the working day or for an after-hours emergency, and that there is a charge when the call is after hours and not an emergency.
The City's service line inventory refers to a public (City-owned) side and a private (customer) side of the service line but does not say where one ends and the other begins. Ask Public Works before assuming.
Sewer: the side sewer
In Olympia the side sewer runs from the building's outer wall to the public sewer. With a cleanout at the right-of-way line, the City owns the stretch from the main to the cleanout. Without one, the owner is responsible for the whole run. The City does not clear roots or blockages from side sewers.
In Lacey, the City says the property owner is responsible for the line from the house to the street sewer main on gravity systems, with possible exceptions.
Treatment: LOTT
LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a regional wastewater utility serving Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater. The three cities and Thurston County formed it. Its page describes treatment and reclaimed water; it does not say who owns the pipes that carry wastewater from your house, so this page does not either.
Gas and electricity
If you smell gas, Puget Sound Energy's emergency page says to get clear of the area first, then call 1-888-225-5773 or 911 from a safe distance, and not to use anything that can spark. That applies if PSE is your gas utility; check your bill.
Water still spreading? Make the call.
You will be asked what is wet, where the water came from and whether it has stopped. Have the street address in front of you.