City of Lampasas in Stage 5 Emergency Water Conservation
Updates:
As of 4:15 p.m., KWSC officials stated they have received the 10-inch piece of concrete pipe required for the repair, and repair work will soon be underway. Once welding is complete, the lines will be repressurized. Customers are expected to have water later tonight, officials said.
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department is currently out of potable water.
As of 3 p.m., repairs to the 30-inch main off Boys Ranch Road has been delayed by three hours due to a shipping delay on materials including piping.
With some isolated exceptions including higher elevations areas such as Sunrise Hills, Old Convent Road, Wildwood Acres, the city of Lampasas has maintained system pressure, officials said.
However, at 2:30 p.m., officials said that may not last.
“Water service may not be sustained through completion of the repairs by KWSC and system recharge. Currently the Georgetown tank is at 17.5 feet, approximately 40% full; and the Nix tank is at 102 feet, approximately 80% full,” city officials stated. “Please continue to only use water to the extent necessary for health and safety, including delaying dish and clothes washing. Although the city is hopeful repairs can be made overnight, please be prepared for a disruption in water service. The city remains under a boil water notice. Additional information will be reported as conditions change, and please help us circulate this information to those that may not rely on social media or the internet for information. Thank you for your conservation and patience.”
As of 3:11 p.m., KWSC officials announced Kempner Volunteer Fire Department is distributing bottled water at their station on Pecan Street in Kempner. Limit of two cases per vehicle.
At 11:35 a.m., KWSC officials announced the availability of free, non-potable water at Central Fire Station located on Main Street in Copperas Cove. Those in need of water should bring containers for collection.
Kempner Water Supply Corp has issued a boil water notice for all water customers after a break was discovered in a valve near Boys Ranch Road.
In an alert to customers at 5:18 p.m. Monday night, KWSC officials stated an air reducing valve was broken at the intersection of Lois Lane and Boys Ranch Road. Due to the difficulty of the repair and the necessity to “valve off Ivy Mountain tank” KWSC officials issued a system-wide boil water notice at 10 p.m.
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday morning, the KWSC crews remain on site and awaiting proper parts.
“This is a high pressure area that can lead to dangerous accidents with dire consequences for our crew if left on during repair,” KWSC officials said. “The contractors to weld the concrete line are on site and the replacement pipe is in order, it should arrive around noon today and repairs will be underway then.”
Officials said water service should be restored by Tuesday evening, but the boil water notice will remain in effect likely until Wednesday.
Lampasas City officials said their water users can still use water, but the boil water notice is in effect for all KWSC customers, including Lampasas citizens.
“The Lampasas water system remains pressurized, with a few isolated exceptions, due to water remaining in storage at the Nix Tank and Georgetown Tank. Residents are reminded to please use water only to the extent needed for health and safety; and that a boil water notice remains in place. Conservation is the key to maintaining water pressure until repairs can be made and systems recharged,” city officials said. “The City appreciates the patience of our residents and businesses during this frustrating time. Information will be updated as conditions change.”
Boil notice details
The notice applies to the entire water system and will last until any/all repairs can be completed, distribution lines be adequately flushed, and bacteriological samples be collected/analyzed.
Lampasas City and KWSC officials provided the following information on proper water treatment:
All water customers should boil their water prior to consumption including but not limited to washing hands/face, brushing teeth, and drinking. Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.
In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.
Citizens are encouraged to share this information with everyone who drinks this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). This can be done by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Those with additional questions concerning this matter may contact Lampasas City Hall at 512-556-8315 or 512-556-6831, or KWSC at 512-932-3701 or 254-547-9430.