Killeen to Implement Temporary Stage 4 Water Restrictions Amid Infrastructure Upgrades

With proactive conservation efforts, Killeen officials hope to ensure a smooth transition through these temporary restrictions while securing long-term improvements to the area’s vital water infrastructure.

Gary Emmert
1–2 minutes

The City of Killeen is set to enforce Stage 4 water restrictions from May 27 to May 30 as part of a temporary conservation measure aimed at supporting critical infrastructure improvements within the multi-city water supply system. With two major projects nearing completion by the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) #1, local authorities are asking residents to begin mild conservation efforts on May 26. If these efforts prove successful, the restrictions may not be needed for the full four-day period.

WCID #1 is finalizing connections to a 48-inch water line, which will be linked to 5,000 feet of new steel pipe and a three-million-gallon concrete storage tank. These enhancements aim to improve reliability and strengthen the region’s water infrastructure, benefiting over 265,000 residents across multiple cities, including Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Belton, Nolanville, and the Fort Cavazos Military Reservation.

The affected 48-inch pipeline delivers approximately two-thirds of the total water supply to these communities. Originally installed in 1975, the aging pipeline has seen multiple breaks over the years, prompting the need for upgrades.

During the Stage 4 emergency water shortage period, all regulations from previous restriction levels remain in effect, with additional prohibitions in place:

  • No irrigation of landscaped areas.
  • No washing of motor vehicles, including private and commercial car washes.
  • No outdoor water use except for firefighting and animal care.
  • No laundromat services or pool refilling.

If residents and businesses significantly reduce their water usage, officials hope to avoid a mandatory boil water notice. However, should storage levels drop too low, WCID #1 will enforce a boil water advisory for public health and safety.

Residents can review the City of Killeen’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency ordinance at www.KilleenTexas.gov/WaterConservation and explore conservation strategies within the City’s Code of Ordinances at www.KilleenTexas.gov/Ordinances.

For details on the WCID #1 project and additional water-saving tips, visit https://wcid1.org/. Questions regarding the project can be directed to WCID #1 General Manager Ricky Garrett at (254) 501-9243 or via email at general@wcid1.org.

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