Governor Tate Reeves has announced that Jackson’s boil water notice has been lifted, bringing clean water to residents and businesses across the capital city for the first time in 48 days.
Reeves released the official lifting of the notice during a press conference on Thursday, stating that systems are now operational at the O.B. Curtis Water Plant.
“Since the state of Mississippi stepped in to fix Jackson’s water system, we’ve significantly increased the quantity of water produced, restored water pressure to the city, installed an emergency rental pump, fixed and reinstalled broken parts on-site, and monitored and tested water quality,” said Reeves. “We can now announce that we have restored clean water to the city of Jackson.”
Emergency orders made after the city’s water systems were placed under a state of emergency will remain in place at this time.
Those living in Jackson are advised to run faucets for three to four minutes before using or consuming water, run dishwashers through one or two cycles, check water filters, and avoid ingesting water from water heaters at the time.
Stephen McCraney, executive director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), added that the city’s water distribution sites will officially close on Saturday, September 17 as safe running water becomes fully accessible once again.
Jim Craig, Senior Deputy and Director of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), stated that although the notice has been lifted, other boil water alerts may be placed throughout Jackson in the future as the water treatment facility is repaired.
As of now, crews at the O.B. Curtis Water Plant will be working on resolving medium and long-term issues at the facility. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Inspector General is currently investigating the status of managerial operations that may have contributed to the failure of the city’s water plant.
The Jackson City Council voted unanimously on Friday to spend the estimated $27 million to $34 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to resolve the city’s remaining water and sewage issues.
The Hinds County supervisors have also awarded Jackson an additional $17.5 million in ARPA money for the project, granting $6 million to fix the water mains in South Jackson and $11.5 million to construct a new water storage tank. The tank is expected to provide water to supply the new jail that is planned to be built on McDowell Road, as well as Jackson residents.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are currently available for businesses and non-profit organizations in counties surrounding Jackson that are in need of financial assistance due to the water crisis.
EPA launches investigation as water issues continue in Jackson
