Drinking Water

Taste and Odor

Contaminants found in drinking water may cause taste, color, or odor problems. These do not necessarily indicate a change in the safety of your water. Water taste is affected by mineral content, as well as by the presence of chlorine.

Cloudiness

Cloudy water from the faucet may be caused by tiny air bubbles in the water, similar to the gas bubbles in beer or carbonated soft drinks. After a while, the bubbles rise to the top and disappear.

Dirty Water

Usually, when water looks dirty, it is due to changes in the way the water system is operating. When the flow of water changes directions in the pipes, it agitates settled materials at the bottom of the pipes. These changes can be caused by routine water main maintenance or by broken fire hydrants or water mains. The water usually looks dirty for a short time and is drinkable once it clears.

One way to clear the dirty water out of your pipes is to run all your faucets for a few minutes. If the water is still not clear, then do the same thing again every half hour or so. The problem should go away within two to four hours. If it doesn't, call the Water Service Center at (903) 531-1285.

• 2023 Water Distribution Master Plan
• 2023 Facilities Master Plan
• 2023 TWU Asset Management Plan

The Water Production department operates and maintains the City's water production, ground and elevated water storage tanks, raw water pumping stations, and water treatment plants. In addition, the department is also responsible for permitting, construction inspection, lake maintenance, and operations at Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East, as well as maintenance operations at Lake Bellwood.

Water Sources

The City of Tyler currently utilizes both surface water and groundwater in its water supply system, as follows:

Surface Water (96%): The City of Tyler's primary source of drinking water is from one of three lakes: Lake Tyler, Lake Tyler East, and Lake Palestine. Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East are owned and operated by the City of Tyler. Lake Tyler is located on Prairie Creek, while Lake Tyler East is located on Mud Creek. Both are located in the Angelina River watershed.

Lake Palestine is owned and operated by the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority and is located in the Neches River watershed. The City of Tyler owns the rights to 68,900 acre-feet of water in Lake Palestine.

Groundwater (4%): In addition, the City uses twelve deep water wells located throughout the City to supplement its surface water supply. The wells were completed as needed beginning in the late 1930's through 1996. The wells produce from the Carrizo Wilcox sand to depths ranging from 600 feet to 1,100 feet.

Water Treatment Plants

The City of Tyler owns and operates two water treatment plants:

Golden Road Water Treatment Plant

The Golden Road Water Treatment Plant was constructed in 1951, with several upgrades and renovations occurring over the years. It is a rapid sand filter facility that uses sedimentation, flocculation, filtration and disinfection. This plant accepts raw water from Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East and has a current treatment capacity of about 34 million gallons per day (mgd).

Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant

The Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant, along with the raw water pumping station located on Lake Palestine, was completed in 2003. It is also a rapid sand filter facility that uses sedimentation, flocculation, filtration and disinfection. This plant has a current treatment capacity of about 30 mgd, but can eventually be expanded to treat up to 60 mgd.

The primary function of the water distribution system is to safely transport potable drinking water through a network of pipes from the source (storage tanks or treatment plants) to the point of use.

Included in the distribution system are the large-diameter mains that transport untreated (raw) water from lake sources to the treatment plants. Fire protection is a secondary function of the water distribution system.

The water distribution system has approximately 690 miles of mains ranging in size from 2" in diameter to 48" in diameter. Static water pressure on the system ranges from 30 psi to 125 psi. At least 90% of the improved property within the City is 500 feet or less from an approved fire hydrant.

Water Service Center personnel operate and maintain all water mains, fire hydrants, meters, valves, pressure regulators, air valves, and other system components in accordance with Federal, State, and local rules and regulations while also keeping cost efficiency and productivity in mind. The principal efforts are directed towards prompt, effective service to the public and overall service excellence. Actual construction may be performed by City personnel or by private contractors as circumstances warrant.

Tyler Water Utilities has responsibility for the maintenance of the water distribution system through the customer's meter. Water Service Center personnel will assist customers, when requested and at no charge, in determining causes and remedies of water problems on private property within reasonable limits.

Flushing Program

In addition to regular maintenance on the pipes, valves, hydrants, and other components that make up the water distribution system, Tyler Water Utilities staff also performs regular flushing of the water distribution system in order to maintain water quality. Flushing the system cleans the water lines of sediment, clears out the water that has been sitting too long in the pipes due to infrequent use, and ensures adequate water pressure in the system.

New Water Taps

Installation of water service connections (taps) from the main to a point outside the curb area or point of the meter set is performed only by Water Service Center personnel or a contractor approved by the Director of Utilities. A fee is charged for each new tap to a water main for a connection. This fee is determined by the size of the connection and the size of the meter. If a branch is requested with the tap installation on a one-inch tap or larger, a branch fee is charged, which includes the tap fee plus the activation meter fee for each branch tap. Contact the Development Services Department at (903) 531-1171 to schedule a water tap and to pay the applicable fee(s)

The City of Tyler currently has ample water supplies for our residents for many decades to come. However, we should all strive to use the water we do have wisely!

Residents of the United States use more water per person than any other country. On average, each family turns on a tap between 70 and 100 times daily. Using water more efficiently will not only save money, but more importantly, will help protect the quality of life for future generations.

With the vastness of the state, it's easy to forget two important facts about Texas: 1) we are subject to frequent droughts, and 2) our population is expected to double in the next 50 years.

• City of Tyler Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan(PDF, 4MB)
• TCEQ Water Conservation
• Texas Water
• Water Smart

• American Public Works Association
• American Water Works Association
• Environment Protection Agency
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Texas Water Conservation Association
• Texas Water Development Board
• Texas Water Utilities Association