Published on May 13, 2026
Behind every sink, shower, business, and neighborhood is a wastewater system working around the clock. At the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is moving forward with improvements to keep water flowing.
On Wednesday, May 13, the City Council approved a $4,551,200 contract with Dixie Overland Construction for the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 1A Secondary Clarifier Rehabilitation Project.
The project will replace the plant’s secondary clarifiers, which help separate treated water from remaining solids before the water moves to the next stage of the treatment process.
The work was identified as part of the 2023 Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan, a long-term guide to modernize and expand Tyler’s wastewater treatment plant capacity. Upgrades to the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant are proposed in four phases based on dependencies and proximity. Phase 1 projects were further divided into Phases 1A through 1D to organize improvements by priority, operational needs, and budget considerations. The Westside Plant’s secondary clarifiers, included in Phase 1A, were identified as a high-risk priority due to their deteriorated condition and vulnerability to mechanical failure.
Throughout the past three years, both secondary clarifier rake arms experienced structural failure. TWU staff completed temporary repairs to maintain operations until permanent improvements could be made.
The project includes removing existing secondary clarifier components and associated equipment, installing new clarifier mechanisms, rehabilitating existing concrete, and replacing process piping, valves, and related equipment. It also includes upgrades to electrical systems, including power distribution, controls, instrumentation, and SCADA integration. In addition, the work will include the construction of a new non-potable water pump system and related site improvements such as excavation, yard piping, and other civil improvements.
Work is anticipated to begin in June 2026 and be completed by June 2028.
Tyler's wastewater collection system includes two wastewater treatment plants, more than 718 miles of sewer mains, more than 11,000 manholes, and 22 lift stations.