Tacoma Public Utilities

Around this time each year, thousands of migrating salmon make their way up the Cowlitz River to be separated and either transported to spawning areas in the Tilton, Cispus and upper Cowlitz Rivers or kept at the hatchery to produce the next generation of salmon (i.e., broodstock). It's all part of the salmon life cycle, and we're incredibly grateful for the folks at Tacoma Power and Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife who put in the extra work this time of year to support restoration efforts. Do you want to catch the action firsthand? Visit the award-winning Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery Visitor Center to learn about the life cycle of salmon and take a self-guided tour of the hatchery grounds. It's open Monday – Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://bit.ly/475V8Ax

Congratulations to Justin and Zach for taking 2nd place at this year's Washington State Pole Top Rescue Competition! Each year, the Pole Top Rescue Competition brings teams from across the state to compete for the safest & effective rescue of an injured worker from a utility pole in a mock accident. This year's competition was at the Tacoma Convention Center’s Tollefson Plaza, where teams of high voltage line technicians from the electrical utility industry competed for honors in rescuing a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial accident. Way to represent Tacoma Power's safety culture. Awesome job team! ⚡

Today we're celebrating National Custodial Day! Every day, our custodial staff ensures a clean and safe environment for their fellow coworkers. Their work is highly appreciated.

It's Source Water Protection Week, and we’re celebrating with the American Water Works Association! At Tacoma Water, we protect the Green River, our primary water source. We design programs to reduce risks to the drinking water supply, such as spill prevention and response, culvert maintenance, forest road safety measures, and environmental compliance monitoring. This demonstrates to our community that we value clean water and a healthy forest, and are committed to protecting them. Join us in our mission to #ProtectTheSource all year long. Together, we can ensure a future with clean, reliable drinking water for generations to come. #SourceWaterProtectionWeek

Lake Cushman in the fall. #PhotoOfTheMonth

After an extensive nationwide search, Alan Matheson was selected to serve as the next Rail Superintendent. His appointment to role was confirmed Wednesday by the Public Utility Board. Matheson has spent 20 years serving Tacoma Rail, dedicating most of his professional life to Rail customers and the community. Having worked as a Trainmaster, Roadmaster and as an Assistant Superintendent, Matheson has wide-ranging knowledge of almost every part of the organization. He is committed to maintaining customer focus and delivering excellence in serving Tacoma Rail’s customers.

The Public Utility Board is meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. Real-time public comment will be available at the start of the meeting. Attend virtually: https://bit.ly/39kOvNs The 3:00 p.m. Public Utility Board Study Session is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Calling all experienced government relations professionals! We're looking for our next Federal Relations Manager to advocate for TPU's interests and priorities at the federal level. Working closely with internal teams and contracted lobbyists, the Federal Relations Manager will develop and execute strategic advocacy initiatives, monitor policy developments, and cultivate relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders in the federal government. For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3B3UAiB. Applications are due before 9/30/2024 at 5:00 PM Pacific.

The Public Utility Board is meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. Real-time public comment will be available at the start of the meeting. Attend virtually: https://bit.ly/39kOvNs

In the Green River Watershed, our managed forest lands help keep our drinking water clean and safe for people and wildlife. In the conservation forest zone, our Water Forester creates old forest, or late seral, conditions through forest thinning operations. The forester works with a logging contractor to selectively remove trees of certain sizes and species in a specific area of forest. The remaining forest develops a vibrant understory of vegetation and smaller trees that will eventually take the place of the older trees as they die or are affected by disturbances such as windthrow or disease. Thinning improves the health and growth of the remaining trees, improves forest structure, helps prevent wildfires, and fosters wildlife habitat. As our forests advance towards old growth and become more resilient, they play a critical role in providing clean and reliable water, now and in the future.