A Simple Guide for Kids, Families, and Everyone in Kent, WA
Have you ever wondered, “Where does my water come from?” If you live in Kent, Washington, your drinking water has a pretty interesting journey from its original source water to your kitchen tap! At Drain Pro Plumbing & Septic, your hometown experts in Kent, we believe it’s important for everyone to know exactly how our public water gets to us—because understanding your community water is the first step to keeping it safe.
Where Does My Water Come From in Kent?
Our Main Water Sources – Groundwater and Surface Water
Kent’s water supply is made up mostly of groundwater. This means the majority of our public drinking water starts underground. Water collects in giant sponges under the earth called aquifers. The city uses several wells and springs, such as Clark Springs, Kent Springs, East Hill Wells, Garrison Well, Seven Oaks Well, and more, to pump this groundwater up so that it’s ready to be used in homes, parks, businesses, schools, and everywhere else in the city.
This groundwater is a reliable source, and it’s replenished by rainwater and snowmelt from the surface slowly trickling down through the soil. This process connects both surface water and groundwater in our region.
Backup Help from Water Districts and Nearby Water Agencies
When more water is needed than local wells and springs can handle—like on hot days or when demand is high—Kent relies on extra help from other nearby water districts and water agencies. Through partnerships, the city is able to get supplemental surface water from the Green River, working with Tacoma Water, Covington Water District, and Lakehaven Utility District.
Kent’s water system is also connected to the public water systems of neighboring cities—such as Auburn, Renton, Tacoma, Tukwila, and local water districts like Highline Water District and Soos Creek Water & Sewer District. This giant teamwork ensures the public always has enough clean water.
How Does the City Keep Your Drinking Water Safe?
Keeping the water quality high and the water supply safe is a big job! Kent’s public water system uses special equipment and best practices to protect your drinking water:
Chlorine disinfects the water so germs and bacteria can’t make anyone sick.
Fluoride is added to help protect teeth.
pH adjustment keeps the water gentle on pipes and helps reduce lead and copper.
City teams test the water quality all the time and carefully follow rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Washington State Department of Health (state water authorities) to guarantee the water you drink meets all standards.
There’s also a strong cross-connection control program, which makes sure nothing can accidentally flow backward and contaminate the public water supply.
And every year, you can review exactly what’s in our city’s water in the annual Water Quality Report.
Protecting Our Source Water
Kent also works hard to protect the areas around its wells, springs, and other source water locations. This means land use is carefully managed, and only safe activities happen close to groundwater supplies to keep them from getting polluted.
Why Water Conservation Matters for ALL of Kent
No matter how much water we have, it’s important to use our water resources wisely. Even in a rainy place like Kent, everyone should work together to use less water whenever possible. Conserving water means we can keep supplying our growing community for years to come!
How You Can Save Water in Kent
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
Take shorter showers
Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
Use water-efficient toilets and appliances
REBATES TO HELP YOU SAVE:
Switch out an older toilet for a new, water-conserving toilet and you can get a $50 mail-in rebate!
Buy an Energy Star washing machine and qualify for a $75 mail-in rebate!
Kent’s parks even use smart irrigation systems to conserve water at over 17 parks!
Why It All Matters for Your Home
When you understand “where does my water come from,” you can make better choices—whether it’s keeping your yard chemicals away from the ground, upgrading to efficient fixtures, or calling in a plumbing expert when something goes wrong.
Good plumbing helps keep the public water system healthy and safe, all the way from our source water to your faucet.
Need Help From Local Pros? Call Drain Pro Plumbing & Septic in Kent!
At Drain Pro Plumbing & Septic, we’re your trusted local team in Kent. As a family-owned business, we know the importance of clean, reliable water for every home and business. We work with all types of water systems—from pipes to pumps, wells to septic—and we’re always happy to help our neighbors.
Thinking about water-saving updates?
Having trouble with your pipes or drains?
Need septic system service in Kent or surrounding water districts?
