At approximately 1:10pm Sunday afternoon all electrical power was lost at the Belton Water Treatment Plant. Power was restored to the plant at approximately 4:30pm on Sunday. This plant, operated by Bell County WCID 1 (WCID 1) provides water service to the City of Belton, City of Nolanville, City of Harker Heights, City of Killeen, City of Copperas Cove, Fort Hood Military Reservation and 439 Water Supply Corporation.
The power loss caused subsequent loss of water flow and pressure to ALL of the entities served by WCID 1. There are 2 major consumer impacts caused by the loss of pressure and flow;
1) Boil Water Notice - The loss of pressure and flow for a sustained period can create an opportunity for bacteriological contamination. WCID 1 test results should be received by 4pm today. The schedule for lifting a boil order will be unique to each entity based on sample test results timing. All samples have to test clear of total coliform before the boil order can be rescinded. Residents should check with the entity that meters and bills their water service directly for more information. At 3:25pm, the Waco Regional Water Quality Lab reported that all of the WCID 1 samples submitted ALL WERE COLIFORM NEGATIVE!!! As our customer systems are able to rescind their boil water notice as evidenced by coliform-negative sample results, their boil water advisories can be rescinded.
2) Water use restrictions - At this time WCID 1 is back to full treatment and delivery capacity. The Stage 1 drought restrictions enacted in April by the Brazos River Authority, which seek a voluntary reduction of 5% due to lower than normal lake levels and a severe drought projection, are still in effect. All other restrictions placed in effect to assist with our power outage and the prior 48 inch main break can be released at this time.
For questions related to the status of the WCID 1 water treatment system, please contact Ricky Garrett, Bell County WCID 1 General Manager at 254-501-9243.
