Kempner Volunteer Fire Department officials said they would welcome donations of potable water to address Tuesday’s water emergency.
Following a disruption of water service by Kempner Water Supply Corp because of a break in a valve, many Kempner area and a small number of Lampasas area water users have been without water on Tuesday.
Kempner Volunteer Fire Department distributed bottled drinking water at their station on Pecan Street that afternoon. Despite a two-case per vehicle limit, and due to a great need, the first responders ran out of water at noon.
“We’ll take all the donations we can get in this emergency situation,” said KVFD Lt. Todd Burkett.
KVFD officials encouraged those in need of water to visit the Copperas Cove Fire Department at the Central Fire Station located on Main Street in Copperas Cove. Those in need of water should bring containers for collection. The water available is believed to be non-potable only.
While a repair to the valve is expected to be completed in a matter of hours, KVFD would still welcome bottled water donations for this and future emergencies. Contact the station at 512-932-3993 for donation information.
Lampasas Fire Chief Jeff Smith said his department doesn’t have any plans to distribute water at this time, but that may change if the cold weather prevents the repressurizing of the lines.
“It really depends on the weather, how cold it gets, and can we get the lines refilled tonight,” he said. “If not, we’ll make some arrangements in the morning.”
Smith said his department shouldn’t experience any issues with refilling fire engine tank apparatuses and will be ready if a fire emergency takes place.
Smith said if KWSC crews can repair the break within the next several hours, “we’re golden.”