Bell County WCID No. 1

Press Release

January 4, 2023

The Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (BCWCID1), which provides wholesale water service to the cities of: Belton, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights as well as Bell County WCID 3 (Nolanville), 439 Water Supply Corporation and the Fort Hood Military Reservation, will temporarily convert the disinfectant in its water treatment process from chloramines to free chlorine. The conversion is scheduled to take place February 1st through February 28th, 2023. This is the first annual conversion to be conducted as part of routine maintenance for the water transmission and delivery systems. Free chlorine conversion is an accepted and recommended step by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to help maintain water quality and minimize nitrification. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with the type of temporary disinfectant conversion.

Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality. During the temporary change, BCWCID1 will suspend adding ammonia and use free chlorine to keep water disinfected as it travels through pipes.

BCWCID1 is coordinating with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) staff and local entities to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine to maintain the system and water quality. BCWCID1 continues to meet safe drinking water standards earning recognition from TCEQ as a Superior Public Water System. The annual water quality reports are posted online at www.wcid1.org.

If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact Ricky Garrett at 254-501-9243.

Bell County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1
201 S. 38th Street Killeen, TX 76543
Phone 254-501-9243 Fax 254-519-4261

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.