The Public Works Department of the City of Killeen went through a massive flushing of the water system yesterday and are working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District (WCID) to evaluate and analyze samples amid a city-wide boil water notice that was issued on Oct. 19.
The notice was issued due to quarterly water samples taken from six sites indicating chlorine residuals below TCEQ guidelines. All entities are continuing to run tests on the samples. This boil water notice will not be lifted until levels are stable enough for a sustained period of time, which is a minimum of 24 hours, which will not be today.
TCEQ is bringing a team to Killeen within the next 24 hours to assist on the ground. The City will provide daily updates, as new information becomes available. Please expect another update before end-of-business today.
The City of Killeen is now offering bottled water for those who do not have the ability to boil their own water. Please contact us at (254) 501-6315 for assistance. As of now, the City will not be providing water stations for all citizens, as there is running water in residences and businesses, with no disruption in services. The City is working to isolate this matter, in hopes of lifting the boil water notice in different portions of the city where chlorine levels are proven to be sufficient.
Once the City sees chlorine levels go back to normal, the City will still be required to have external lab testing completed before lifting the boil water notice. This testing process takes a minimum 24 hours to complete.
The City will continue to provide updates, as they become available. We encourage residents to sign up for the City Alerts on our website to stay up to date, as well.