I think I have Bacterial leaf spot.

Whatever it is, I have hade similar problems in past years. This year started with one cayenne plant and seems to have spread to adjacent plants. I quickly destroyed the cayenne plant ( a new strategy this year) and have been picking off leaves from the other plants as the spots first appear. A new spot or two appears each day. I began taking action about five days ago. So far, I have removed about 10% of the leaves from on plant (some type of yellow bell from Bonnie) and far fewer from the other four (one Habanero plant, one Early Sunsation Hybrid, and two California Wonder bells). My containers are in a raised box filled with sheredded leaves to insulate the potting mix/roots from the sun's heat. I removed the top 6" of leaves and added new around the affected plants. The weather has been severe drought. They do get wet when I water with a hose (city water), but I don't specifically wet the folliage when watering.

The only things I have read are don't get it in the first place and if you do , some sort of copper product may help control it. I want to avoid chems, but I am not dead set against spot applications if need be. Any opinions as to my diagnosis or what to do about it?

Thanks!