Challenge
As the largest city in Northeast Texas, Tyler has experienced rapid growth—but its buried infrastructure hasn’t always kept pace. In 2017, the U.S. EPA and the state imposed a consent decree requiring the city to inspect and rehabilitate its aging sewer system, which includes nearly 700 miles of mains. The decree also mandated prioritizing work in lower-income and minority neighborhoods. With a growing population and aging infrastructure, the city needed a GIS-centric approach that could manage large-scale inspection data and turn it into action.
Solution
To meet the demands of the consent decree, Tyler implemented a scalable inspection workflow using ITpipes Mobile across both city-operated and contractor CCTV crews. With up to six crews inspecting sewer lines daily, ITpipes’ Sync module plays a key role—automatically importing inspection data into Cityworks, the city’s asset management system. This automation not only streamlines data handling but also ensures timely updates to maintenance records. Additional scripting within ITpipes Web triggers automated alerts in Cityworks when inspections reveal critical defects, such as collapses or major blockages. This enables crews to respond immediately to high-risk issues, supporting both compliance and service continuity.
Partners
Tyler’s program success relies on seamless integration between key platforms. ITpipes standardizes inspection and data workflows for all field crews and ensures consistent, high-quality reporting. Cityworks serves as the central hub for asset management and work order tracking. Esri GIS provides the spatial framework that enables location-based analysis and decision-making—particularly important for meeting the consent decree’s focus on equitable service delivery.
Results
Through its integrated inspection and asset management approach, Tyler has made significant strides in modernizing its sewer system. Repairs are now prioritized based on condition and location, improving transparency and accountability. The city has reduced sewer overflows and built a defensible, data-driven workflow that supports long-term planning and regulatory compliance. In recognition of its progress, Tyler earned two Texas Municipal League awards in 2020 for excellence in Public Works and Communications—affirming its leadership in infrastructure management.