Copperas Cove Urges Residents to Conserve Water Under Drought Contingency Plan

The City of Copperas Cove used social media Wednesday to remind residents and businesses that its Stage 1 Voluntary Water Conservation order remains in effect, with ongoing dry weather continuing to stress water supplies across the Brazos River Basin.

The Stage 1 order, first signed into effect on August 7, 2025, calls on residents and businesses to limit lawn and landscape irrigation to no more than two days per week. Watering with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems is permitted only between midnight and 10 a.m. and again from 8 p.m. until midnight. Outdoor water use during the hours between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. is discouraged, with hand-held hoses as the lone exception.

The voluntary restrictions fall in line with drought contingency plans activated by both the Brazos River Authority and Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, which supply Copperas Cove and several other Central Texas cities, including Killeen and Harker Heights. Both entities moved to Stage 1 conditions in response to continued dry conditions and declining levels at Belton and Stillhouse Hollow lakes.

Stage 1 is the lowest tier in the city's graduated drought response framework and is defined as mild water shortage conditions. Unlike the mandatory cutbacks imposed at higher stages, including restrictions that have twice forced Copperas Cove businesses to halt car washing, pool filling, and outdoor irrigation in recent years, the Stage 1 designation relies on voluntary compliance.

Residents with questions can contact Water Distribution Superintendent Corey Chambers at cchambers@copperascovetx.gov or (254) 547-2416, or reach the Public Works Department at (254) 547-0751. The full Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan is available through the city's online municipal code.