Jackson, Mississippi Declares Water System Emergency Order After Flooding

Flooding of the Pearl River after heavy rains affected treatment processes at the city's main water treatment facility

Aug. 30, 2022

2 min read

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Jackson, Mississippi declared a water system emergency order on Aug. 25.

According to the city's Water System Emergency Order, the order was declared because there was a "threat of excessive rainfall and extreme flooding." A boil order notice was then ordered Aug. 29.

Since the O.B. Curtis Water Plant was flooded, this led to "a temporary decrease in the product of water throughout the City of Jackson," stated the Water System Emergency Order.

"It means we do not have reliable running water at scale. It means the city cannot produce enough water to fight fires, to reliably flush toilets and to meet other critical needs," said Gov. Reeves, reported CNN.

The city has begun distributing drinking and non-drinking water to up to 180,000 city residents, according to Gov. Tate Reeves, reported CNN. Additionally, The National Guard is being called in to help distribute the water.

According to the mayor, there are several explanations for the failing system, which include: damage to pumps at the main water treatment facility this summer; and flooding of the Pearl River after heavy rains affected treatment processes, reported CNN.

In the meantime, crews are working to get the water treatment plant back online, according to order. The city was under a boil water notice since late July for a water-quality issue as well.

"Please stay safe. Do not drink the water. In too many cases, it is raw water from the reservoir being pushed through the pipes," added Reeves, reported CNN. "We will do everything in our power to restore water pressure and get water flowing back to the people of Jackson."

Additionally, the state is setting up a tanker system to provide water for fire trucks. Water for those in Jackson would have to be provided "for an unknown period of time," according to Reeves, reported CNN.

The office of Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba excepts the water shortage to last a few days. However, the city has made it clear that Jackson is NOT cutting off water to residents.