Copperas Cove city council to review August water emergency response

By david_morris on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 11:50
  • Water filling stations were set up in the parking lot of the Copperas Cove Library in August during the water main break emergency that led to a loss of water for the majority of the City of Copperas Cove.
    Water filling stations were set up in the parking lot of the Copperas Cove Library in August during the water main break emergency that led to a loss of water for the majority of the City of Copperas Cove.

    By LYNETTE SOWELL-STEVENS

    Cove Leader-Press 

     

    The Copperas Cove City Council will review the city's response to the August 2026 water emergency during a workshop meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Technology Center, located at 508 S. 2nd St.

    Fire Chief Douglas Matthijetz and City Manager Ryan Haverlah are scheduled to present the after-action review to the council. 

    The review examines the emergency timeline to include the city's response and areas identified for improvement.

    The water emergency began on Sunday, Aug. 16 when a water main ruptured near the intersection of Golf Course Road and Texas Street. During repair efforts, a separate valve failure disrupted the city's 18-inch water transmission main. A malfunctioning surge valve prevented pumps from effectively moving water through the system, leaving approximately 90 percent of the city without water or adequate pressure.

    Normal water system operations were reported as restored by Aug. 19, although a boil-water notice for the city’s water customers remained in effect until the evening of Aug. 20.

    The workshop meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed on the City of Copperas Cove YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@copperascove6513, as well as viewed on Spectrum Channel 10.