Flooding Worsens Water Emergency in Mississippi's Capital

Flooding Worsens , Water Emergency , in Mississippi's Capital.

On August 29, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency after extreme rainfall worsened problems at one of Jackson's water treatment plants.

On August 29, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency after extreme rainfall worsened problems at one of Jackson's water treatment plants.

NPR reports that the problem caused low water pressure throughout much of Mississippi's capital.

Low pressure impacts firefighting efforts and access to running water.

On August 30, Reeves said that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will begin distributing drinking water and non-potable water.

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On August 30, Reeves said that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will begin distributing drinking water and non-potable water.

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The governor also said that the National Guard would also be called in to assist in the city of 150,000 residents.

The governor also said that the National Guard would also be called in to assist in the city of 150,000 residents.

On August 29, just days after heavy rains, additional rainfall caused flooding in Jackson.

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Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said the flooding was not as bad as earlier projections had shown.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said the flooding was not as bad as earlier projections had shown.

NPR reports that Jackson has long experienced problems with the city's water system.

In 2021 and again in early 2022, frozen pipes left a significant number of people without running water.

In 2021 and again in early 2022, frozen pipes left a significant number of people without running water.

Since late July, the city has been under a boil-water notice after tests revealed a cloudy quality in the water that could negatively impact health