Tyler requiring residents to reduce water

TYLER – On Thursday, the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant was taken offline due to multiple critical equipment failures and flooding in the filter pipe gallery. Until the flooding issue can be resolved and the equipment failures repaired, Tyler Water Utilities is relying entirely on the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant to supply water to the entire City of Tyler.

While GRWTP can typically meet the City’s daily water needs during this time of year, any large water main break or sudden surge in demand could cause system pressure to fall below safe and acceptable levels.

To help protect the system and maintain reliable service citywide, TWU has activated Stage 2 of the City’s Drought Contingency and Emergency Demand Management Plan. Stage 2 calls for a 10 percent reduction in total daily water use. As of Saturday, Oct. 11, these restrictions are still in effect. 

The following mandatory water use restrictions are now in place for all TWU customers:

Landscape Irrigation  
Allowed twice weekly
Even-numbered addresses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Sundays & Thursdays
Odd-numbered addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Saturdays & Wednesdays
Watering only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Ensure sprinkler systems are adjusted NOT to be watering pavement and irrigate only when necessary.
Hand watering and drip systems are allowed anytime.

Vehicle Washing
Permitted only on watering days, between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., using a bucket or hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Commercial car washes are exempt.

Pools  
Filling or refilling allowed only between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on watering days.
Fountains & Ponds
Must have a recirculating system or support aquatic life.

Fire Hydrants 
Use limited to firefighting or permitted construction activities.

Golf Courses
Greens, tees, and fairways may be irrigated on watering days, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Exempt if using non-TWU water.

Restaurants 
May only serve water upon request.

Prohibited Non-Essential Uses 
Washing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or buildings (except for fire protection)
Using water for dust control
Allowing water to run or accumulate in streets or gutters
Failing to repair controllable leaks after notification

Residents and business owners are urged to check for leaking faucets and toilets.

TWU crews are working to identify and fix the source of flooding, restore filter controls, and repair damaged filter underdrains. For updates and frequently asked questions, The City of Tyler has that information here.