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Administration FAQ

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1. How do I request a public record?

Please visit Public Records Request page to find detailed instructions and a link to our online Public Records Request form.

2. How do I report a claim of damages to my property?

Please visit our Claims page to download the instructions and find a link to our online version or download (and print) a PDF version of Claim for Damages Form.

3. Who do I contact to inquire if the District is interested in participating in a community event?

Please contact our Board Clerk and Legal Assistant, Lisa Alexander

4. Who is the District's Registered Agent?

Lisa Alexander

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Billing Questions & Online Payments FAQ

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1. Can I pay my bill online and/or set up auto pay?

Visit My Payment Options page to learn more.

https://www.lakehaven.org/212/My-Payment-Options

2. Where can I pay my bill in person or drop off after hours?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, 31627 1st Avenue S, Federal Way, WA 98003-5201. 

During COVID customer service is open but the doors are locked.  You may drop payments off in the payment box located in front of the Administration building on the island.  Call 253-941-1516 if you need help location the drop box.

Directions

3. I am having a technical issue with the online payment system, who can I contact for assistance?

In September 2015 Lakehaven contracted with a new vendor, Retail Lockbox Management Services (powered by paystation.com) to handle our online payment processing.

If you need assistance logging on to paystation.com, or you are experiencing other technical difficulties with the paystation.com website, please  Email  or call 253-941-1516 Lakehaven Customer Service.

4. Why is there an excise tax charge on my bill?

Periodically we mention the status of the City of Federal Way excise tax in our bi-monthly Newsletters that are included with your invoice mailings.  The following newsletter may be of interest as it explains for formula to calculate excise tax.  July-August 2018, Issue #176  Newsletter.  

Bi-monthly Newsletters

5. How often does Lakehaven Water and Sewer District bill customers?

We send out bills bi-monthly. You will receive a bill once every two months.

6. How is my sewer bill calculated?

Your sewer bill consists of two components, a bi-monthly base rate and a charge based on the average amount of water you used in "the wet months".

Sewer Rates

7. Why do I have a previous balance on my bill for a property I just purchased?

Water and sewer charges are associated with the property rather than the occupant who incurs the charge. If you purchase a property and the final bill is not paid at closing, it will become your responsibility. Check with your Escrow Company to make sure they are paying the closing bill.

8. How is my water bill calculated?

Your water bill consists of two components, a bi-monthly base rate and a charge based on the amount of water you used in the billing period.

Visit My Rates page to learn more.

Water Rates

9. How do I calculate how much of my next bill is my renter's, when they have moved out?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not stop and start billing when a renter moves in or out. If you read your meter the day the renter moves out and call us with that read, we can give you a verbal calculation of the renter's portion. If you do not get a read you can calculate the renter's portion based on the amount of days in the billing period that the renter was living in your house.

10. Why is my bill higher than usual?

The most common reasons for a high bill are changes in water usage and leaks. Did you do anything that would increase your water usage, such as watering lawns and garden, power-washing, filling a pool or having house guests? The increased bill could also be the result of a leak. Please see

How to Check for a Leak?

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Conservation Activities FAQ

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1. Who do I contact to inquire if the District is interested in participating in a community event?

Please contact our Board Clerk and Legal Assistant, Lisa Alexander

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Customer Service & Online Payments FAQ

Show All Answers

1. Why is there an excise tax charge on my bill?

We have included updates about the City of Federal Way excise tax in our bi-monthly Newsletters that are included with your invoice mailings.  Use the Search functionality at the top of any page of this site to find Newsletters articles on this topic.  One article in particular, "Federal Way and Edgewood Customer Excise Tax",  can be found in the July-August 2018, Issue #176  Newsletter.  It explains the formula which may be of interest to you.

Bi-monthly Newsletters

2. Can I pay my bill online and/or set up auto pay?

Yes. In September 2015 Lakehaven contracted with a new vendor, Retail Lockbox Management Services (powered by paystation.com) to handle our online payment processing.

To set up *auto-pay* you must register with your Lakehaven account # (found on the top of your invoice), email address, and create a password on Paystation . (A Lakehaven logo will identify us as the payee). Once you are logged into the system, click the tab to “Schedule a Payment.”

You may also make a payment without registering by clicking on the "Pay Without Registering" button. Please have your account number and the statement date ready to validate your account information.

For more information about making utility payments online visit Pay Your Bill Online page.

3. Where can I pay my bill in person or drop off after hours?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, 31627 1st Avenue S, Federal Way, WA 98003-5201. Visit our Locations page to get Directions

4. I am having a technical issue with the online payment system, who can I contact for assistance?

In September 2015 Lakehaven contracted with a new vendor, Retail Lockbox Management Services (powered by paystation.com) to handle our online payment processing.

If you need assistance logging on to paystation.com, or you are experiencing other technical difficulties with the paystation.com website, please Email Lakehaven Customer Service.

5. How often does Lakehaven Water and Sewer District bill customers?

We send out bills bi-monthly. You will receive a bill once every two months.

6. How is my sewer bill calculated?

Your sewer bill consists of two components, a bi-monthly base rate and a charge based on the average amount of water you used in "the wet months". Sewer Rates

7. How is my water bill calculated?

Your water bill consists of two components, a bi-monthly base rate and a charge based on the amount of water you used in the billing period. Water Rates

8. Why do I have a previous balance on my bill for a property I just purchased?

Water and sewer charges are associated with the property rather than the occupant who incurs the charge. If you purchase a property and the final bill is not paid at closing, it will become your responsibility. Check with your Escrow Company to make sure they are paying the closing bill.

9. What do I need to do when I sell or purchase property in your district?

Complete the attached Ownership Change Form which requires: the property address, the seller's name and forwarding address, the buyer's billing information, the closing date, the Title/Escrow Company and phone number. Ownership Change Form

10. What do I need to do if I am renting out my property?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. We continue to bill the owner of the property . If you want the tenants to pay the bill you can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address addressed to “Occupant.” Please call 253-941-1516 to request duplicate billing.

11. Can I transfer the bill into my name, if I am the tenant renting the property?

No, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. The owner of the property can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address, addressed to “Occupant.”

12. Can you help me prorate my renter's portion of their last bill?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not stop and start billing when a renter moves in or out. If you read your meter the day the renter moves out and call us with that read, we can give you a verbal calculation of the renter's portion. If you do not get a read you can calculate the renter's portion based on the amount of days in the billing period that the renter was living in your house.

13. Why is my bill higher than usual?

The most common reasons for a high bill are changes in water usage and leaks. Did you do anything that would increase your water usage, such as watering lawns and garden, power-washing, filling a pool or having house guests? The increased bill could also be the result of a leak. Please see How to Check for a Leak?

14. How do I check for a leak?

Please see How to Check for a Leak?

15. Can I get a leak adjustment if I had a leak on my property?

The Board of Commissioners adopted updates to the District’s Leak Adjustment Program at the July 14, 2016 regular meeting. With these updates, customers repairing leaks in their service lines or home plumbing systems may apply for a leak adjustment no more than once in a two-year period. In order to be eligible, customers will be required to repair the leak within 60 days of the discovery of the leak and submit evidence of the repair. As proof, the District will require detailed receipts for repairs made by third parties (such as plumbers or contractors). For repairs made by customers, the District will require copies of receipts for repair supplies and a sworn declaration from the customer describing the repair, including a description and date of the repair work.
To apply for a leak adjustment please complete and submit. Leak Adjustment Request Form

16. Do you offer payment assistance for low income customers?

Lakehaven has partnered with the King County Multi Service Center to set up a fund to assist our customers. The Multi Service Center administers this program. Please contact Lily at 253-838-6810.  

Visit the COVID-19 Updates page for information about delinquent account options.

Customer Assistance Program

17. How can I make a donation to your Customer Assistance Program?

Please visit our Customer Assistance Program page. Customer Assistance Program

18. What is the Capital Facilities Charge Capacity Rental Program?

The Capacity Rental Charge allocates a charge to customers using more capacity in the water and/or sewer systems than purchased (typically at connection) for the property served. Please visit this link for detailed information Capacity Rental Charge

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Customer Service FAQ

Show All Answers

1. How do I check for a leak?

Please see

How to Check for a Leak?

2. Do you offer payment assistance for low income customers?

Lakehaven has partnered with the King County Multi Service Center to set up a fund to assist our customers. The Multi Service Center administers this program.  Their phone number is 253-838-6810.

Visit COVID-19 Updates page for information about delinquent account options.

Customer Assistance Program

3. Can I get a leak adjustment if I had a leak on my property?

The Board of Commissioners adopted updates to the District’s Leak Adjustment Program at the July 14, 2016 regular meeting. With these updates, customers repairing leaks in their service lines or home plumbing systems may apply for a leak adjustment no more than once in a two-year period. In order to be eligible, customers will be required to repair the leak within 60 days of the discovery of the leak and submit evidence of the repair. As proof, the District will require detailed receipts for repairs made by third parties (such as plumbers or contractors). For repairs made by customers, the District will require copies of receipts for repair supplies and a sworn declaration from the customer describing the repair, including a description and date of the repair work. To apply for a leak adjustment please complete and submit.

Leak Adjustment Request Form

4. What do I need to do when I sell or purchase property in your district?

Complete the attached Ownership Change Form which requires: the property address, the seller's name and forwarding address, the buyer's billing information, the closing date, the Title/Escrow Company and phone number.

Ownership Change Form

5. What do I need to do if I am renting out my property?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. We continue to bill the owner of the property . If you want the tenants to pay the bill you can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address addressed to “Occupant.” Please call 253-941-1516 to request duplicate billing.

6. Can I transfer the bill into my name, if I am the tenant renting the property?

No, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. The owner of the property can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address, addressed to “Occupant.”

7. How can I make a donation to your Customer Assistance Program?

Please visit our Customer Assistance Program page.

Customer Assistance Program

8. What is the Capital Facilities Charge Capacity Rental Program?

The Capacity Rental Charge allocates a charge to customers using more capacity in the water and/or sewer systems than purchased (typically at connection) for the property served. Please visit this link for detailed information

Capacity Rental Charge

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Development Engineering FAQ

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1. What areas does Lakehaven provide water and sewer service to?

Lakehaven provides water and/or sewer service to the greater Federal Way area, including the City of Federal Way and parts of Des Moines, Auburn, Kent, Milton, Edgewood, Pacific, and unincorporated King County.

2. Where is the nearest existing water &/or sewer main line pipe in relation to my property?

Contact Lakehaven’s Development Engineering section at Email for specific water or sewer system facility information.

3. Where can I obtain information about sewer service in the City of Edgewood?

See Edgewood Sewer FAQs (PDF), and/or contact Lakehaven's Development Engineering section at Email

4. What’s required to obtain a new or modified water and/or sewer service connection, or repair of an existing sewer service?

Provided a Developer Extension Agreement is not required; obtain a copy of Lakehaven’s Service Connection Application form, and complete & submit the form to Lakehaven, along with any required supplemental information &/or documents indicated on the application form. Do not submit payment at the time of application for service. Typically it takes Lakehaven 1-2 days to prepare the service connection application information & notify the applicant Lakehaven is ready to accept payment & signatures. If work in public right-of-way (ROW) is required, a ROW Permit will need to be secured by Lakehaven after payment for the connection charge(s) is submitted to Lakehaven. Allow approximately 2-3 additional weeks if a ROW Permit is required, for sewer service connections. For sewer service repair permits, most are no-charge & Lakehaven staff will attempt to expedite permit issuance to the degree possible. Service Connection Application-Lakehaven (PDF)

5. How can I obtain a copy of Lakehaven’s current design standards, construction/material specifications, and/or standard plan drawings?

Send an Email request to Development Engineering.

6. How long does it typically take to have a water service connection/meter installed or Sewer Service Connection Permit issued?

Below are typical estimates only. Actual times are dependent on current workload.
• New, full water service connections (“dig-in”, main-to-meter): Approximately 3-4 weeks depending on current Lakehaven workload (allow additional 2 weeks if work in public ROW is required), after submitting payment.
• “Drop-in” water meter into existing meter setter: 2 weeks or less.
• Sewer Service Connection Permit (SSCP): 2-3 days (Residential), 3-5 days (Non-Residential); if work in public ROW is required, allow additional 2-3 weeks after submitting payment & prior to Lakehaven issuing a SSCP.

7. Do I need a “Certificate of Availability”?

Land use agencies may require owners to obtain a “Certificate of Availability” (CoA) from the water and/or sewer agency, to issue land use, building and/or other permits. If a CoA is required, simply complete and submit Lakehaven’s CoA application form to Lakehaven. Check with Development Engineering staff for current CoA fees.

8. If my property is within Lakehaven’s water and/or sewer service area(s), am I required to connect my property/building(s) to Lakehaven’s water and/or sanitary sewer system?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District is a water & sewer service provider and does not require connection to its water or sewer systems, except in some rare cases that are covered by a special agreement.

9. Will obtaining a service connection require me to construct additional system facilities (mainline, hydrants, manholes, etc.)?

It may. Depending on the specific location of your property you may be required to construct additional water and/or sewer system facilities, in addition to your service connection(s), to meet Lakehaven’s long-standing ‘extend-to-far-edge’ policy. If Lakehaven determines that you must construct additional system facilities, a Developer Extension Agreement will be required.

10. What do I do if a Developer Extension Agreement is required?

Obtain a copy of Lakehaven’s Developer Extension (DE) Agreement or Developer Pre-Design application forms, and consult with a professional civil engineer regarding impacts to your proposed activity/development. The DE process takes significantly longer than typical service connection processes, so plan accordingly.

11. Who installs service connections?

• New, full water service connections (main-to-meter): Lakehaven (“dig-in” installation).
• New water meter into existing meter setter: Lakehaven (“drop-in” installation).
• Private water supply line (meter-to-building): Owner/Applicant.
• Sewer service connection in public ROW &/or within Lakehaven easement: Owner must employ a sewer service contractor authorized by Lakehaven for this type of work.
• Sewer service connection on private property: Owner can use any party they choose, however Lakehaven recommends utilizing competent & experienced contractors.

12. How do I locate utility services before I accidentally dig them up?

At least two (2) business days before any digging, you must request that underground utilities be located and marked by calling 811. Additional information can be found at The Utility Notification Center Website

13. Who should I contact with other or additional questions?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District – Development Engineering Section Email Telephone: 253-945-1580 or 253-945-1581  Lakehaven FAQs (PDF)Edgewood Sewer FAQs (PDF)

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Employment FAQ

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1. How do I apply for an open position advertised on your website?

To apply for an advertised position, please fill out the Employment Application form on our Employment page.

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Property Changes

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to do when I sell or purchase property in your district?

Complete the attached Ownership Change Form which requires: the property address, the seller's name and forwarding address, the buyer's billing information, the closing date, the Title/Escrow Company and phone number.

Ownership Change Form

2. What do I need to do if I am renting out my property?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. We continue to bill the owner of the property . If you want the tenants to pay the bill you can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address addressed to “Occupant.” Please call 253-941-1516 to request duplicate billing.

3. Why do I have a previous balance on my bill for a property I just purchased?

Water and sewer charges are associated with the property rather than the occupant who incurs the charge. If you purchase a property and the final bill is not paid at closing, it will become your responsibility. Check with your Escrow Company to make sure they are paying the closing bill.

4. Can I transfer the bill into my name, if I am the tenant renting the property?

No, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not bill renters directly. The owner of the property can request a copy of the bill be sent to the property address, addressed to “Occupant.”

5. How do I calculate how much of my next bill is my renter's, when they have moved out?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not stop and start billing when a renter moves in or out. If you read your meter the day the renter moves out and call us with that read, we can give you a verbal calculation of the renter's portion. If you do not get a read you can calculate the renter's portion based on the amount of days in the billing period that the renter was living in your house.

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Treatment Plants FAQ

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1. Where are Lakehaven's wastewater treatment plants located?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District has 2 treatment plants; Redondo and Lakota facilities.

Redondo Treatment Plant
515 South 288th St
Des Moines, WA 98198

Lakota Treatment Plant
3203 SW Dash Point Road
Federal Way, WA 98023-2340

Information on all of our facilities can be found at link to Contact Us

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Utility Services FAQ

Show All Answers

1. Are there health risks associated with using automatic meter readers?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District is moving to automatic meter readers that use wireless technology.  If you are interested in learning more about radio frequency (RF) signals around your home, visit  Article from the  World Health Organization(WHO).

2. Where can I download Water Quality Reports?

• Archived Water Quality Reports also known as Consumer Confidence Reports, can be downloaded from the archive center located here.
• Download current year's report  here.
• Read more general information about Water Quality here.

3. Does Lakehaven Water and Sewer District have a plan for future growth?

Read through our executive summaries from the District's 2008 Comprehensive Water System Plan and 2009 Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan to find our future growth plans. Read More...

4. How do I shut off the water service to my house?

Learn about proper care for water shut off valves and how to turn them off in an emergency. Shut Off Valves

5. How do I check to see if I have a water leak?

Find different ways you can determine if you have a leak. How to Check for Leaks

6. Why is FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) bad and how can I minimize the problems it creates?

FOG clogs the plumbing in your home and in the city and is expensive to fix. You can minimize this problem by disposing of your fats, oils, and grease in a solid container and placing it in the trash once it is cool. FOG (Fats, Oils and Greases)

7. What is "Main Cleaning" and how often does Lakehaven perform it?

Main cleaning is a maintenance program to remove excessive build up of materials inside our water mains. Main cleaning is done by a High Velocity flushing of fire hydrants or by sticking an over-sized foam cube in the main and scrubbing the pipe. It is done once every 5 years.

8. How do I locate utility services before I accidentally dig them up?

At least two (2) business days before any digging, you must request that underground utilities be located and marked by calling 811. Additional information can be found at The Utility Notification Center. Utilities Underground Location Center website.

9. How do I report a water or sewer main break?

If you observe what you feel is a water or sewer main break please call District offices at 253-941-1516 immediately. During business hours an operator will direct you to the proper response staff. After hours callers need simply follow the instructions on the phone and response staff will be paged automatically.

10. Does Lakehaven Water and Sewer District perform repairs to my plumbing?

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District does not perform plumbing repairs. Please consult  a plumber.  

There are a number of online sources you can use to find listings of local plumbers.  We do not endorse any listed here but some online business search providers are 411.com,  yellowpages.com,  yellowbook.com,  dexknows.com. For more sophisticated projects try HomeAdvisor.com or Thumbtack.com or simply search on the term to fit your need (e.g. "find plumbers in Federal Way, WA") in your preferred search engine.

11. Who should I report a sewer backup, overflow or smell to?

During regular business hours (M-F, 8A-4:30P) call 253-941-1516 and the receptionist will take your information.

After business hours call 253-941-1516 and listen for instructions.

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Website FAQ

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1. I can't find what I am looking for on your website, is there a search functionality or who should I contact for help?

• Try using the Search textbox located to the right of the red Emergency button in the page header.
  • Search by file names (if known), or by subject using words or phrases that may be contained inside documents or on web pages.
• Visit the  DISTRICT tab to find information about Lakehaven. A link to  Contact Us is there as well.
• Visit the HOW DO I... tab to find common topics.
• Visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  to find answers to commonly asked questions.

If you need further assistance navigating our website please Email. Someone will reply or call you back within 1 business day.

2. How do I report a technical problem with your website?

To report web page problems on lakehaven.org website please Email Website Administrator.

To report issues with payments and billing, or while using our 3rd party online billing payment system called "paystation" please Email Customer Service (not the Website Administrator).

3. I found a broken link or error on a page, who should I report it to?

Please Email Website Administrator.