Officials for the state of Mississippi including Governor Tate Reeves, Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, and others gathered at the State Fairgrounds on Thursday to give an update on the capital city’s water crisis.
During the press conference, Reeves explained that progress had been made at the O.B. Curtis water treatment facility, stating that Jackson’s water pressure has risen exponentially following the installation of a rental pump.
Less than 24 hours ago, the facility’s water pressure was totaling around 40 PSI. Now, the water pressure has nearly doubled as the plant’s total water pressure output sits around 78 PSI.
RELATED: Water pressure rises at Jackson water treatment plant after pump installation
Currently, the facility is focusing on resolving issues involving the sensors that measure the pH balance of the water, correcting the chemistry of the water, and increasing the water pressure to 87 PSI.
Areas where water will be distributed to Jackson residents were also discussed, with Reeves declaring the State Fairgrounds to be the main hub for the emergency State Staging Area (SSA).
According to Gipson, events like the Jackson water crisis are exactly why the State Fairgrounds was made.
“Our team completed the Fairgrounds water well system earlier this year with one our missions being to assist the public in times of emergency just like this,” Gipson explained. “By utilizing the resources of the State Fairgrounds, we are assisting with the State’s water crisis response efforts in several ways, including the ability to provide well water from the Fairgrounds and to serve as a State Staging Area for public water distribution and logistics.”
Now, water will be available for pickup every day for no charge at seven locations around the city from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. To find the nearest water distribution site, continue reading below.
