Tyler Water Utilities asks customers to limit water use after plant fails, floods

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) — Tyler residents and businesses are asked to use less water after critical equipment at a water plant stopped working.

Tyler Water Utilities said several pieces of critical equipment at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant failed Thursday, causing part of the area to flood and the plant to shut down. They are now relying solely on the Golden Road Water Treatment Plant.

TWU activated stage two of the city’s emergency drought contingency plan to limit water use by 10%, saying while the second plant can meet daily needs, the sudden demand can threaten the system.

Until the plant can be fixed, TWU customers are asked to follow these limitations, according to a release.

FROM TWU PRESS RELEASE:

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

“These restrictions are temporary but vital,” TWU Director Kate Dietz said in the release. “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.”

They also asked residents and business owners to check for water leaks as they work to fix the issues.

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