BCWID #1 repairs leak, lifts area water restrictions

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

Bell County Water Control & Improvement District #1 (WCID 1) announced on Wednesday that repairs had been completed to the leaks that occurred to a 48-inch water main, which delivers water to Copperas Cove, Killeen, Fort Cavazos, and others served by WCID 1.

“At this time all restrictions beyond those dictated by Brazos River Authority Stage 2 can be lifted. Stage 2 from the Brazos River Authority, which is triggered by the Lake Belton level is still in effect and requests that water usage be 10% less than that which would occur in the absence of the restriction,” WCID stated in a press release.

“WCID 1 would like to express thanks to Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, and Nolanville for asking for a reduction in water use. The reduced water consumption allowed the extended repairs to be completed without outages.”

Last Thursday, March 28, a leak was found on the 48-inch main, which is within the segment to be replaced within the next year with a bid date of April 10th.

Please contact Ricky Garrett, WCID 1 General Manager at 254-501-9243 or email general@wcid1.org for more information.

The initial leak was minor and not impacting service or causing any environmental impacts. Several contractors were contacted but none were immediately available. The decision was made to begin excavation and repairs immediately after the weekend. Then on Monday morning while excavating, the small leak became a large leak once the embedment was removed. On Monday, Copperas Cove Mayor Dan Yancey signed an Order for Stage Implementation, Water Restrictions – Stage 4A. The escalation to Stage 4, categorized as "Critical," entails a prohibition on all outdoor watering activities, including watering of landscaped areas, unless reclaimed water is used. Water could be used only for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene purposes. No washing vehicles or watering plants. Vehicle car washes at commercial car washes and commercial service stations was only permitted between 6-10 a.m. and 6-10 p.m.

The City of Copperas Cove is back to stage 2 restrictions, where it has been since August 2023.