Tumwater Water Resources & Sustainability Department

Welcome to the spring edition of One Water, where we bring together some insights on stormwater management, wastewater, conservation, stewardship, and future planning. As the seasons change, so do the challenges and opportunities in our water systems. Dive in to discover how we can all play a part in protecting and preserving our most vital resource—water.

Energize Thurston 

The City of Tumwater is partnering with Thurston County and the cities of Lacey, Olympia, and Tenino to launch Energize Thurston - a new program to connect Thurston County residents to discounted heat pump equipment and installations through a group purchase program. A limited number of low - to no - cost heat pump installations are available for income - qualified households in Tumwater.

In order to participate in Energize Thurston, you'll first have to attend a workshop. Workshop participants will receive information about efficient electric heat pump heating/cooling and water heating systems, home energy savings, and many available financial incentives. You’ll also meet selected installation partners and be able to sign up for a free site assessment. 

For more information about Energize Thurston or to register for a workshop, visit: www.energizethurston.org.

Curious about Solar Energy this year?

Solarize Thurston is open for enrollment starting March 1st. Participants will get discounted prices, vetted local installers, and quality made-in-Washington equipment. Sign up  

Installing solar on your home can seem like a daunting process: from perceived costs to technical details, to figuring out which installers to choose. To address these challenges and to support homeowners, Olympia Community Solar, a local nonprofit, is sponsoring Solarize Thurston, a solar group purchasing program used throughout the country to reduce costs and simplify the installation process. Solarize installers provide discounted prices, made-in-Washington equipment, and easy to understand information. 

Solarize programs have accelerated residential solar adoption across Washington and we’re thrilled to continue this program in Thurston County for the fifth year in a row.

Sign up for a free home assessment before July 4th.

Tumwater’s Stream Team is in full swing this spring

Stream Team started 2025 with a focus on amphibians in the winter and early springtime by highlighting some of our amphibian species in the Stream Team winter and spring newsletters. In January we partnered with USFW and WDFW to host an informational workshop on amphibians of the Pacific Northwest. In addition, Tumwater and Stream Team volunteers have been conducting amphibian surveys at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course to see which species are showing up. The data collected helps determine the overall health of their habitat. If you missed the opportunity to participate this year, keep an eye out for opportunities next winter. For now, you can learn a lot through reading our seasonal Stream Team newsletters.

As we move into spring, our focus turns towards macro-invertebrates, also referred to as benthic organisms. Stream Team will host a macro-invertebrate training from 3-4 p.m. April 4th at the South Puget Sound Community College. Macro-invertebrates are the little bugs that live in our freshwater streams and intertidal areas in the Puget Sound. Our focus for this workshop is on freshwater systems. We will share how benthic organisms play a role in determining water quality, demonstrate how we conduct our surveys, and we will have different benthic organisms on display to help our participants learn how to identify the different types. As spring progresses, we will open opportunities to have Stream Team volunteers who attend the workshop or have previous experience join our biologists at two of our locations along Percival Creek to help conduct our annual surveys.

For more information, please sign up for our digital newsletter. While you’re there, check out the registration page for our current event postings, we look forward to seeing you at one of our many events!

Help prevent pollution from entering our waterways

(Home) pressure washing 

Spring cleaning often includes pressure washing driveways, sidewalks, and homes. Runoff from these activities can carry pollutants like oil, chemicals, and dirt into storm drains and local waterways. To minimize pollution, avoid using soap, but if you do, use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products. Avoid pressure washing near storm drains, and if possible, direct wastewater onto a grassy or vegetated area where it can be absorbed safely. Using a dry cleaning method, such as sweeping before washing, can also reduce the amount of debris entering our water system.

(Auto) eco-friendly car washing

Washing your car at home can send soap, grime, and oils directly into storm drains, which sometimes flow untreated into rivers and lakes. If you choose to wash your car at home, do so on a grassy or a gravel surface to help filter runoff. Use biodegradable soap and a bucket with a sponge instead of a running hose to save water. Better yet, take your vehicle to a commercial car wash that recycles water and properly disposes of contaminants. Professional car washes that are designed to filter and recycle water, significantly reduce pollution and water usage. Another option is a waterless car wash solution, which cleans your car without requiring gallons of water. These alternatives help protect local waterways while keeping your vehicle spotless.

(Garden) responsible fertilizing for healthy waterways

Fertilizers can help our gardens thrive, but overuse or improper application can lead to runoff that harms local streams and lakes. Choose organic or slow-release fertilizers to minimize nutrient pollution and always follow the recommended application amounts. Avoid fertilizing before rain, as excess nutrients can wash away into storm drains. Consider natural yard care practices such as composting, mulching, and planting native species to maintain a healthy lawn without the need for chemical fertilizers.

Water conservation has become ever more important

Springtime water conservation tips

Water conservation is essential, even during the typically wet spring season. Here are some recommendations for conserving water this time of year:

Outdoor water conservation:

• Adjust sprinkler systems – Turn off automatic sprinklers during rainy weeks and check for leaks to avoid unnecessary water waste.
• Convert lawn into native landscape beds – Consider removing areas of lawn and create landscape beds with attractive native drought resistant plants that are adapted to our climate.
• Mulch your lawn and garden – Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

Indoor water conservation:

• Fix leaks immediately – A small leak in a faucet or toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.
• Take shorter showers – Reducing shower time by just a few minutes can save gallons of water daily.
• Use water-efficient appliances – Choose ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers and washing machines, which use less water while maintaining efficiency.
• Turn off the tap – Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth, washing hands, or doing dishes.
• Run full loads – Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are fully loaded to maximize efficiency.

Stream Team will host a Natural Yard Care and Habitat at Home workshop this summer to help community members who want to transform their gardens into attractive native plant landscapes that attract local wildlife while helping conserve water. This workshop will provide expert guidance on how to draft your landscape design, offer valuable resources to guide you through the process, and you will walk away with some plants to get you started! This event is hosted in partnership with WDFW and is a regional series taking place across the South Sound. You can sign up for one of these events through the Stream Team website. We look forward to seeing you there!