Bell County WCID No. 1

August 2, 2023

Stage 2 Drought Warning Declaration

For Lake Belton

On August 1, 2023 Bell County Water Control & Improvement District #1 (WCID 1), along with the other entities drawing water supply from Lake Belton were notified by the Brazos River Authority that Stage 2 Drought Warning is going into effect.  Stage 2 targets a 10% reduction in water usage from usage that would occur in the absence of drought measures.  This declaration has been expected with the extreme drought conditions we’re experiencing in the Central Texas area for both Lake Belton and Lake Stillhouse.  For more information regarding the Brazos River Authority Drought Contingency Plan visit their website at www.Brazos.org.     

While Water Conservation is always important, it has become essential for those that depend on Lake Belton or Lake Stillhouse for water supply.  Please watch for notifications that will be forthcoming from your retail water provider as each entity has developed steps unique to their customers within their Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans. 

WCID 1 provides wholesale water service to the cities of; Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville (WCID 3) and Belton along with Fort Cavazos and 439 Water Supply Corporation.  For information regarding the WCID 1 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency plan please visit www.wcid1.org.

Brazos River Authority Initiates

Stage 1 – Drought Watch

On March 17^th the Brazos River Authority initiated Stage 1 of it’s Drought Contingency Plan and is urging all of its water customers to do the same.  There are a few circumstances which can trigger Stage 1 and all can be found at the following link:  https://brazos.org/Portals/0/drought/DCP-2019.pdf?ver=DR_v5N6dHpA5-DMHL8Rp3w%3d%3d

Shortly before March 17^th the Palmer Hydrologic Drought Index (PHDI) fell below -2.4.  In addition to the Palmer Hydrologic Index, the most recent forecast by the National Climate Prediction Center (ENSO) group also projects low precipitation probability for the coming months.  At this time the Lake Stillhouse Hollow level is 3.4 feet below the normal conservation pool and the Lake Belton level is 3.4 feet below the normal conservation pool.  

Please keep in mind that our water supplies are not limitless.  We need to all do our part in using water wisely and only when necessary.