STEP System Care

Think before you flush or wash certain items down the drain. Why? Because flushing or disposal of certain items down your drain increases your chances of system failure. Disposal of the below listed items can block your system. Do NOT flush the following items down the drain (including toilets):

Disposable diapers
Egg shells, nutshells, and coffee grounds
Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material
Paper towels or rags
Hair
Dental floss
Food items containing seeds and peelings
Fats, oils, and greases
Limit or eliminate your use of a garbage disposal. Instead, consider composting your feed waste items.

What is the City of Olympia responsible for? The City of Olympia is responsible for the following items:

Repairing and maintaining the STEP system tank, electrical (alarm) box, and outlet lines from the tank.
Checking the system and sludge levels in the tank and when necessary, sludge removal.
Periodically checking and removing the sludge in the tank (approximately every five years).

As the owner/resident, what am I responsible for?

Repairing and maintaining the home plumbing and sewer line from the house to the STEP system tank.
Damages to the home or STEP system that occur due to the City's inability to access the STEP system (e.g., electrical box behind a fence).
Providing electricity for the pump and controls.
Calling to report an alarm, and minimizing water use during an emergency.
Eliminating the disposal of improper material into the STEP system.

Need More Information? Contact the Public Works office.

Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A
Mailing Address:  PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
Hours:  Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (360) 753-8588
Email:  Public Works