City of Bonney Lake

Sewer service is a shared responsibility between property owners and the City. Each property has its own private sewer line that collects wastewater from drains and toilets, which then flows into the main sewer line maintained by the City.

If you experience a backup or other sewer issue, it’s often hard to know whether the problem is in your private line or in the City’s main line. That’s why we ask you to call us first—contact Public Works Operations at 253-447-4319.

We’ll inspect the situation and determine where the issue is. If the problem is in the City’s line, we’ll take care of it. If it’s in your private line, you may still need to contact a licensed plumber; however, we will do everything we can on our end to assist, minimize potential costs, and provide a clear explanation of the issue.

Our goal is to ensure you receive the necessary support without incurring unnecessary expenses.

A permit is required for any repair, replacement, or installation of side sewer. Permits are obtained from the City’s Permit Center.

Some routine maintenance activities you may see the City performing include sewer mainline cleaning, manhole inspection and repair, closed-circuit TV inspections, side sewer and main repairs, and smoke testing to detect leaks and infiltration, among others.

Commercial Business Sewer Pretreatment Program 
Pretreatment is the process of treating non-domestic (industrial or commercial) wastewater to remove or reduce pollutants before it is discharged into a municipal sewer system or a natural body of water. For more information on the partnership between Bonney Lake and the City of Sumner click here

FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) Control Program

All businesses that process or serve food are required to have an approved FOG Control Plan on file and are subject to regular inspections.

Every customer, not just restaurants, should eliminate or limit the amount of FOG discharged into the sewer system. Those substances are major contributors to problems in both side sewers and public sewers. FOG should not be disposed of in a sink or toilet or any other drain in your home. FOG should be placed in a watertight container and placed into a solid waste (garbage) container.

Fats, oils, and grease represent the most serious enemy of our sewer lines. This includes:
• Butter • Cooking Oil • Salad Dressing • Mayonnaise
• Grease • Gravy • Sauces • Lard Food/meat 
• Food/meat scraps  • Margarine • Shortening

When you dump FOG down your drain, it forms large, thick grease balls that clog pipes and eventually lead to sewer backups and spills, create environmental problems, cause traffic tie-ups or even flood homes and businesses. Protect your own pipes and our system with a few simple steps.

Do’s
Can the grease! Keep an empty metal can and pour oil and grease into the can. Allow grease to cool in the container before throwing it into the trash.
Wipe before washing greasy pans, pour the grease into a container and use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to washing.
Seal the oil. Liquid should be limited to no more than one-half gallon. Mix liquid vegetable oil with an absorbent material such as kitty litter or coffee grounds in a sealable container before throwing it into the trash.
Keep drains clean by pouring ½ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Wait 10-15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.

Don’ts
Don’t pour fat, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.
Don’t use hot water to rinse grease off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces.
Don’t forget to protect bathroom drains too: the toilet is not a trash can!

FOG Related links
Bonney Lake Municipal Code (BLMC) 13.12.320 FOG Prevention Requirements
Pierce County Household Hazardous Waste
Wipes Clog Pipes
Kitchen Best Management Practices

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department for private septic systems