Tyler plant failure prompts urgent water conservation

John R. York Water Treatment Plant Failure Halves Capacity, Tyler Urges Water Conservation

Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) is urging residents of Tyler, Whitehouse, and all TWU customers to immediately conserve water following a significant failure at the John R. York Water Treatment Plant early yesterday, October 8th. The incident has cut the plant's treatment capacity in half, prompting concerns about meeting daily demand.

A raw water pump failure led to the flooding of the plant's control building, rendering critical components inoperable. This has reduced the John R. York Water Treatment Plant's operational capacity from its normal 12 million gallons per day (MGD) to just 6 MGD. On October 9th, Tyler's typical daily water demand already exceeds this reduced capacity, with peak summer demand often reaching 20 to 22 MGD.

Crews are working around the clock to address the damage, but TWU officials indicate repairs are expected to take "several days" to restore full capacity. The request for water conservation will remain in effect "until further notice."

Residents are asked to suspend all non-essential water usage. This includes refraining from watering lawns, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools. Essential uses such as drinking, cooking, and showering are not affected. TWU emphasizes that this is a conservation request, not a boil water notice. The water currently being supplied remains completely safe for consumption.

Further updates and information regarding water conservation efforts can be found on the City of Tyler's official website, CityofTyler.org.