City to evaluate Lake Tyler East Dam to protect Tyler’s water supply

Before water from Lake Tyler East becomes drinking water for Tyler residents, it depends on infrastructure that must be maintained for the long term. The City of Tyler is continuing its evaluation of the Lake Tyler East Dam to determine what work is needed most and where future investments can have the greatest impact.  

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Tyler City Council approved a $355,905 engineering services agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. for a Risk Analysis and Prioritization Study at the Lake Tyler East Dam.  

The evaluation began after staff found sinkholes and signs of possible water seepage along the back side of the dam and near the spillway in late summer and fall 2025. A February inspection by HDR rated the dam’s overall condition as fair to poor and identified several high-priority items that needed attention but are not emergent.  

Since then, the City has addressed the majority of the items identified in the inspection, including filling sinkholes and restoring parts of the dam’s drainage system. Along with the potential seepage already observed, the results indicate that parts of the drainage system may need additional work.  

The study will help the City compare two major areas of potential work: rehabilitation of the spillway and improvements to the dam’s embankment. By looking at the risks associated with each, the City can determine which project to address first rather than moving forward before the full picture is understood.  

Lake Tyler East is one of two City-owned lakes that provide drinking water and are an important part of Tyler’s water supply system. Maintaining the dam helps safeguard a water source residents rely on while also allowing the City to plan ahead for major infrastructure needs.  

Taking the work in phases allows the City to combine what has been learned from inspections and testing before committing to a major construction project. The goal is to address the greatest need first, make responsible use of City resources and protect the dam and the water supply it supports for years to come.  

The study is expected to be complete by spring 2027. Staff will then present the findings and recommended priorities to the City Council to help guide the next phase of work at Lake Tyler East Dam.