Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant offline, TWU requires customers to conserve water

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant (LPWTP) 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 (TWU) is relying entirely on the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant (GRWTP) 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, which calls for a 10 percent reduction in total daily water use.

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.

"These restrictions are temporary but vital," said TWU Director Kate Dietz, PE. "Reducing use now helps ensure that all residents and essential services continue to have safe, reliable water while repairs are completed at the Lake Palestine plant."

TWU crews are working to identify and fix the source of flooding, restore filter controls, and repair damaged filter underdrains.

TWU appreciates the community's cooperation during this time. For updates and frequently asked questions, visit https://www.CityofTyler.org.