Meeting East Texas Water Needs with Southern Utilities

For over 50 years, Southern Utilities has provided safe, reliable water service to East Texas communities. Headquartered in Tyler this locally owned and operated utility serves over 18,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across Smith, Cherokee, and Rusk counties.

As the region’s trusted water experts, Southern Utilities utilizes advanced infrastructure and technology to deliver quality water around the clock. Their skilled team manages every aspect of water delivery- from supply and treatment to distribution and customer service.

Supplying Water Across East Texas

Southern Utilities pulls water from both surface and groundwater sources across their service area. This diversified supply includes:

• Lake Palestine – This reservoir northeast of Tyler holds over 66 billion gallons and serves as the primary surface water source Southern Utilities holds water rights permits allowing up to 25 million gallons per day to be pumped from the lake for treatment and distribution

• Groundwater Wells – Approximately 50 deep water wells tap into aquifers across region to augment surface water supplies. These wells have an average depth of 600-800 feet to access clean groundwater.

• Water Treatment Plants – Two technologically advanced plants in Tyler and Troup treat up to 15 million gallons daily. Here, the water is filtered, disinfected, and tested to meet all state and federal standards before distribution.

• Water Storage Tanks – 13 elevated storage tanks and ground storage reservoirs across the distribution system hold over 7.5 million gallons of treated water ready for customer use.

Distributing Water Across Three Counties

An extensive underground piping network allows Southern Utilities to deliver water across its 600 square mile service territory Over 850 miles of water mains up to 24 inches in diameter form a complex grid reaching customers.

Strategically located water pump stations and pressure reducing valves keep water flowing with adequate pressure. New water lines are installed in growing areas, while aging pipes undergo regular maintenance and replacement.

Sophisticated telemetry technology enables around-the-clock monitoring from Southern Utilities’ Operations Center. Any leaks, pressure changes, or anomalies immediately alert staff to dispatch repair crews. This maximizes water efficiency and minimizes service disruptions.

Prioritizing Water Quality and Conservation

Southern Utilities diligently safeguards water quality through rigorous testing at the treatment plants and throughout the distribution system. Certified operators, analysts, and engineers ensure adherence to all state and federal drinking water standards.

Additionally, Southern Utilities partners with customers to promote water conservation and stewardship. Their programs include:

• Customer education on detecting household leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and optimizing irrigation systems.

• Free residential water audits analyzing usage and making efficiency recommendations.

• Rebates on water-saving toilets, washing machines, rain barrels and other devices.

• Tiered water rate structures rewarding those who conserve.

• Watering restrictions and enforcement during drought conditions.

Thanks to these joint efforts, Southern Utilities has achieved over 30% reduction in per capita demand over the past decade.

Providing Consistent and Responsive Customer Service

Southern Utilities recognizes that customer service is just as vital as infrastructure in being a complete water utility. Their Tyler office staff interacts with customers by phone, online, in writing, and in person.

Friendly and knowledgeable representatives assist customers with:

• New service requests and service transfers

• Billing questions, payments and payment plans

• Reporting leaks, pressure issues or water quality concerns

• Clarifying rates, policies and water restrictions

• Water conservation recommendations

Southern Utilities also invests in technology like smart metering to enable customer access to real time water usage data. Their user-friendly website contains online bill pay, paperless billing, customer forms and resource libraries.

During storms and other emergencies, Southern Utilities coordinates closely with emergency responders and local leaders to provide updates. Keeping communities informed and water flowing is paramount.

Investing in East Texas’ Water Future

Southern Utilities maintains an extensive Capital Improvement Plan guiding strategic infrastructure investments. System-wide facility upgrades totaling $45-50 million are planned over the next decade.

This will enhance system capacity and reliability to support the region’s continuing growth. It also allows proactive replacement of aging pipelines before they fail.

Going forward, Southern Utilities aims to expand access to water in underserved neighboring areas. The company remains dedicated to sustainably meeting East Texas’ water needs for generations to come.

With their integrated approach from supply to customer service, Southern Utilities has earned its reputation as the trusted water experts serving Tyler and the surrounding region. Their investments in infrastructure, technology, and people ensure a bright future with quality, reliability, and affordability.