Tyrone Water System Replacement Project
SmithCo Construction, the contractor for the Tyrone Water and Wastewater Association, began installing Tyrone’s new water system on May 18, 2026. This approximately $7 million project will replace and improve essential water infrastructure throughout the community.
The project includes new 12-inch and 6-inch water mains, laterals, gate valves, fire hydrants, and individual service connections extending to each property’s water meter. Work at the water tower will also include a new vault containing valves and pressure-control equipment.
Why the New Water System is Needed
One of the principal reasons for undertaking this project is the Association’s limited ability to shut off water in individual sections of the Townsite.
More than 90 percent of the existing water-system valves are inoperable because of the system’s age and past maintenance history. Consequently, a localized leak or repair can require shutting off water to the entire Townsite.
The new gate valves will give TWWA greater control over the system and allow smaller sections to be isolated during many future repairs. This should reduce the need for townsite-wide water shutoffs and minimize disruptions for residents.
The project will also replace aging water mains and nonfunctioning fire hydrants, improving the reliability, safety, and long-term operation of Tyrone’s water system.
Project Overview
The first phase of construction includes installing a new 12-inch water main along Copper Drive, extending from the water tower to Highway 90. This work requires milling the asphalt roadway and excavating the areas where the new line will be installed.
SmithCo has also milled most of Tyrone’s streets in preparation for installing new water mains, gate valves, and fire hydrants. Milling allows the contractor to access the sections of roadway where the new infrastructure will be placed.
Testing and Service Connections
Before individual water services are connected, the new water mains and laterals must be installed, pressure-tested, disinfected through chlorination, inspected, and approved.
These steps are necessary to confirm that the new system meets applicable standards and construction specifications before it is connected to residents’ water meters.
The project replaces water service lines only up to each property’s meter. The line extending from the meter to the residence is privately owned and is not included in the project.
Resident Notifications
Residents should receive a door hanger before SmithCo begins excavation work on their street. This notice is intended to help residents prepare for construction near their homes and avoid conflicts with equipment and active work areas.
While every effort will be made to provide advance notice, construction schedules may change because of weather, underground utility conflicts, equipment needs, or other unexpected field conditions.
Parking and Construction Impacts
Parking will be one of the principal concerns during construction. Vehicles should not be parked on milled asphalt surfaces while work is taking place. These areas must remain clear for equipment access, excavation, pipe installation, backfilling, compaction, and roadway work.
Residents should expect temporary delays, construction noise, dust, equipment traffic, and occasional water-service interruptions while work is underway.
Please use extra caution around construction areas and give workers and equipment sufficient space to operate safely.
Next Steps
Construction will continue with the installation of the remaining water mains, laterals, gate valves, and fire hydrants. The new infrastructure will then be pressure-tested, chlorinated, inspected, and approved before individual water services are connected to residents’ meters.
This project will cause temporary inconvenience, but it represents a major, one-time improvement to Tyrone’s water infrastructure. Once completed, the new system will provide more reliable service, improved fire protection, better control during repairs, and fewer townsite-wide water shutoffs.
We appreciate residents’ patience, cooperation, and awareness as the construction crews complete this important work.