Copperas Cove warns BCWCID1 will switch to free chlorine Feb. 1-28

Bell County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1 (BCWCID1) will temporarily convert its disinfectant from chloramines to free chlorine from Feb. 1–28, 2026, a move intended to maintain water quality and minimize nitrification in the distribution system.

The City of Copperas Cove posted a media notice from BCWCID1 on Jan. 21 under the City of Copperas Cove News Flash / Media Release section to alert customers served by BCWCID1 who receive water through the city system. Residents may notice changes in taste or odor during the conversion period. The city release points customers to additional information on BCWCID1 and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) websites and provides a direct contact for the district.

The conversion is routine annual maintenance recommended by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to help control nitrification, a process that can affect disinfectant levels and water quality in the distribution network when chloramines are used long term. Switching briefly to free chlorine is a standard industry practice to oxidize and remove nitrifying bacteria and to ensure system disinfectant residuals remain stable.

Local customers who receive water from BCWCID1 through the Copperas Cove system are the primary audience for the notice. While no formal water-use restrictions were announced in the city release, users should anticipate short-term sensory changes such as a stronger chlorine taste or smell. The city and the district advise monitoring water for unusual discoloration or persistent issues and reporting concerns to BCWCID1.

For direct assistance, BCWCID1 can be reached at 254-501-9243. The city release references further guidance available on the BCWCID1 and TCEQ websites for residents seeking technical details or regulatory context. Posting the notice in the city’s News Flash section aims to reach Cove customers who rely on the municipal distribution link to the district’s supply.

This maintenance cycle is part of routine stewardship of the local water system and aims to protect long-term reliability for Copperas Cove and surrounding areas served by BCWCID1. Residents should expect the temporary change in disinfectant only during Feb. 1–28, 2026, and watch city and district updates for any follow-up notices or instructions.