After crews found sinkholes and possible seepage at Lake Tyler East Dam, Tyler, Texas, officials moved to more closely assess a structure connected to about half of the city's raw drinking water supply.
City leaders have now approved a six-figure study to sort out which repairs should come first at the nearly 60-year-old dam.
Here's what to know
KLTV reported that the Tyler City Council approved a $355,905 agreement with HDR Engineering for a comprehensive risk analysis of the Lake Tyler East Dam. The review will concentrate on two key areas, the spillway and the dam's embankment.
That move came after a February inspection rated the dam fair to poor. Inspectors flagged high-priority problems near the spillway where crews had identified sinkholes and possible seepage, though the issues were not considered emergencies and were already being addressed.
For residents, the condition of the dam carries wider importance, Tyler Water Utilities project engineer Jacob Yanker said.
"Lake Tyler represents around half of our raw water drinking source for the city of Tyler, combined with Lake Palestine," Yanker said. "So ensuring the longevity of those structures is very important for our entire community."
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City staff expects the study to be completed in spring 2027. After that, the findings will go to the city council to help shape the next round of repair decisions.
More background
Built in 1967, Lake Tyler East Dam has long been part of Tyler's infrastructure and water system. Its age is one reason officials are seeking a broader review of structural risk rather than relying only on short-term repairs.
The lake also plays a personal role for some residents. Retired Tyler resident Tommy Jackson said he fishes at Lake Tyler most days and sees the lake as one of the main reasons he enjoys living in the area.
"It's the way I relax," Jackson said. "And the lake has done wonders for me. You know, if I didn't have the lake, I don't know what I'd do. I wouldn't live here, probably."
What's being done?
The city has already worked through several of the more immediate concerns from the inspection. Crews filled sinkholes and repaired part of the drainage system, taking care of most of the high-priority issues near the spillway.
The newly approved HDR Engineering contract is intended to identify what should happen next. Through a full risk analysis, the company will help the city weigh spillway rehabilitation against embankment improvements.
That prioritization could influence which repairs receive funding and attention first at a dam tied to about half of Tyler's raw water supply. Jackson said he supports the city taking a closer look at the lake and the broader water system.
"I think it's great that … they're gonna be a little more conscientious about what's in our lakes, and, and the drinking water, things of that nature," he said.
Where can I learn more?
Lake Tyler East Dam's issues are part of a bigger story about aging water systems and changing conditions at Texas reservoirs.
• Across the U.S., supercharged storms are pressuring aging dams nationwide and exposing safety gaps.
• In Indiana, Indiana American Water plans to deconstruct a century-old dam near its treatment plant.
• In Corpus Christi, officials warned a water supply crisis could worsen as drought strains Texas sources.
• In Texas, officials opened floodgates after a major lake refilled following prolonged drought.
• In West Texas, residents saw major reservoir levels surge after rains revived Lake J.B. Thomas.
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