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Here are the latest updates in Jackson’s ongoing water crisis. Check back for more updates. And get the latest updates by downloading our mobile app.
Walmart hands out donations to JSU students
Walmart was handing out donations to Jackson State University students Friday at the Lee E. Williams Athletic Assemble Center at 1400 J.R. Lynch St., Jackson.
City of Greenville helps City of Jackson
Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons said the City of Greenville is sending water and help to the City of Jackson.
Friday, the City of Greenville dispatched an 18-wheeler load of water in partnership with Kroger Food, MMK Trucking, Simmons & Simmons Law Firm, W.L. Burle Engineers, Mitchell Distributing, the Greenville Local Organizing Committee, and the community.
The City of Greenville and the Greenville City Council said they are in full support of various partnerships and collaborations in an effort to help the people of Jackson. The City of Greenville’s first responders, including the Greenville Police Department and the Greenville Fire Department, joined Friday’s effort and will be distributing water at the Metrocenter Mall, along with other City Officials.
Comcast NBCUniversal announces support
Comcast NBCUniversal announced Friday it will donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the organization’s relief efforts in Jackson.
Through the Comcast NBCUniversal Matching Gift Program, the company will match employee donations to eligible nonprofit disaster relief organizations, including the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Disaster Assistance Fund, Community Foundation for Mississippi – Disaster Relief and Recover Fund, Mississippi Food Network, and Voice of Calvary Ministries, which is home to a free WiFi-equipped Comcast Lift Zone, the company said in a press release.
Water system update: Friday
City of Jackson said Friday morning that O.B. Curtis Water Plant made significant gains overnight and into this morning. There are some challenges remaining to navigate over the next few days, but the outlook for today is continued progress.
The total plant output has increased to 80 PSI. The ideal pressure level is 87 PSI. This ensures enough water pressure to adequately supply the entire system, so we have made improvements.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said the increase in water pressure could cause some pipes to break and at least one sewer lid on Pearl street was seen overflowing with water.
Six of the tanks on the surface system have reached stable levels, and the other tanks continue to make progress. More areas throughout Jackson now have some pressure. Many are now experiencing normal pressure. Areas further from the plant and at higher elevations may still be experiencing low to no pressure. This pressure will continue to improve as the tank levels increase.
There is significant work underway in the plant today on both the membrane and conventional systems. This work is initially focused on increasing the production ability of the O.B. Curtis facility. Increasing the production ability will create more stability in water supply.
“We have multiple contractors on site doing assessment work again today,” a press release from the city said. “With the support of our partners at MEMA and the Health Department, we are also sourcing immediate staffing support including operators and maintenance staff. An initial mutual aid staffing group will arrive today. We have also continued the process of expediting some of the projects that were already being planned.
“These items each will contribute significantly to the stability of the plant.”
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker on water crisis
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker said, “Last week’s flooding along the Pearl River and the subsequent loss of water supply has affected more than 180,000 residents in the Jackson area. Early in the crisis, I met with Mayor Lumumba to tour the rising floodwaters and discuss emerging needs. Governor Reeves soon announced the imminent failure of Jackson’s water system, and President Biden granted a federal emergency declaration. It is critical that we receive all available resources as officials work to restore water access in the capital.
“As Mississippi’s senior U.S. Senator, I am hopeful that we can soon enact a long-term solution to these problems,” Wicker said. “As a direct result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped negotiate, Mississippi will be able to draw upon at least $429 million over the next five years to address water and wastewater problems. These funds will supplement other money that has already been set aside for Mississippi but is not yet spent. It is also clear that we need to address flooding that coincided with the water crisis. As the historic rain was falling, I hosted a group of federal officials in Jackson to discuss a long-delayed plan for flood control along the Pearl River developed by state and local leaders. I will continue calling on the Biden Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve this proposal and let us get to work.”
“We are committed to supporting our team members, customers, partners and residents of Jackson during this crisis,” said Jason Gumbs, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “In partnership with the Red Cross and local organizations, it is an honor to aid relief efforts and assist those affected during this very challenging time.”
These contributions are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing resources and support to communities during times of need.
Gov. Reeves to hold 5:30 p.m. press conference with FEMA, MEMA
Gov. Tate Reeves will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m. Friday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell; White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu; and Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Stephen McCraney, the governor’s office announced.
Gov. Reeves and Mayor Lumumba not having joint press conference
The city of Jackson announced Friday morning that they would holding a news conference with the governor and state officials at 1 p.m. However, Gov. Tate Reeves and his spokesperson later took to Twitter calling the city’s announcement “false.” City spokesperson Justin Vicory later confirmed that the announcement was mistakenly sent out, and that the mayor would be holding his own press conference at Grove Park at noon. This came one day after the mayor and governor appeared together for the first time since the city’s water crisis began.
Water System update: Friday morning
The O.B. Curtis Water Plant made significant gains overnight and into this morning. There are some challenges remaining to navigate over the next few days, but the outlook for today is continued progress.
The total plant output has increased to 80 PSI. The ideal pressure level is 87 PSI. This ensures enough water pressure to adequately supply the entire system, so we have made improvements.
Six of the tanks on the surface system have reached stable levels, and the other tanks continue to make progress. More areas throughout Jackson now have some pressure. Many are now experiencing normal pressure. Areas further from the plant and at higher elevations may still be experiencing low to no pressure. This pressure will continue to improve as the tank levels increase.
There is significant work underway in the plant today on both the membrane and conventional systems. This work is initially focused on increasing the production ability of the O.B. Curtis facility. Increasing the production ability will create more stability in water supply.
We have multiple contractors on site doing assessment work again today. With the support of our partners at MEMA and the Health Department, we are also sourcing immediate staffing support including operators and maintenance staff. An initial mutual aid staffing group will arrive today. We have also continued the process of expediting some of the projects that were already being planned.
These items each will contribute significantly to the stability of the plant.
MEMA updates water distribution schedule
Mississippi Emergency Management Center has provided a complete list of water distribution sites in Jackson through the weekend, along with other helpful information.
Below is the information from MEMA’s website.
Resource Information Call Center:
A Resource Information Call Center is now open for residents affected by the Jackson Water Crisis. Call: 1-833-591-6362 if you need resource information. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Water Distribution Sites:
The State has seven water distribution sites set up for resident affected by the Jackson Water Crisis. The following locations will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.:
Cardozo Middle School: 3180 McDowell Road Ext
Smith Wills Stadium: 1200 Lakeland Drive
Metrocenter Mall: 3645 Highway 80
Mississippi State Fairgrounds: 1207 Mississippi Street
Northwest Jackson Middle School: 7020 Highway 49 N.
Hinds Community College: Jackson ATC Campus – 3925 Sunset Drive
Davis Road Park: 2300 Davis Road. Terry, MS 39170
The Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition in partnership with the City of Jackson will distribute bottled water daily at the following times and locations:
Drinking water:
Open Friday 9-2-22 and Saturday 9-3-22
The Salvation Army will distribute water at its offices at 570 East Beasley Road Open from 9 a.m. until supplies run out.
Sites that will be open Monday–Friday
South Jackson
Sykes Community Center, 520 Sykes Road -opens at 5p.m.
Oak Forest Community Center, 2827 Oak Forest Drive -opens at 5p.m.
Walmart location at 2711 Greenway Drive in Jackson. 10a.m. August 31st
West Jackson
Westland Plaza Parking Lot-opens at 5p.m.
IAJE Community Center, 406 W. Fortification Street-opens at 5p.m.
North Jackson
Grove Park Community Center, 4126 Parkway Avenue-opens at 5p.m.
Northtown Pharmacy, 6220 Old Canton Road-opens at 5p.m.
Sites open on Saturdays
Grove Park -opens at 11am
Sykes Community Center- opens at 11am
Sites open on Sundays
Grove Park-opens at 1pm
Sykes Community Center-opens at 1pm
MS Move Across from Tougaloo College (3 – 7 p.m.)
Donation Centers accepting water donations:
New Horizon Church Ronnie Crudup Jr. 601-371-1427 1770 Ellis Avenue
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Maisie Brown 601-573-2924 Life Storage #8111 4000 N. West Street Jackson
Freedom Ministries International Pastor Juanita Ward 601-672-6407 4915 I-55N Building D Jackson, MS 39206
Jackson State University Michael Bolden 601-979-1638 1325 Hattiesburg Street Jackson, MS 39204
MagCor Industries Felicia Prater 601-624-8825 2929 I-55S Frontage Rd (it is the first building south of McDowell Road)
Cathedral AME Zion Church Yolanda Beal 601-982-0945 428 W. Northside Dr. Jackson
St Joseph Baptist Church Natalie Williams 601-940-0392 1094 Prisock Rd. Byram
Nu Vision Worship Center Charles Richardson 601-624-2965 4800 Watkins Dr.
Governor and mayor announce state water distribution sites
Below is part of the announcement from the Governor’s office:
Governor Tate Reeves today announced that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Mississippi National Guard, Mississippi State Department of Health, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture, Andy Gipson, in conjunction with Hinds County and the City of Jackson are opening water distribution supersites throughout the area impacted by the water crisis.
“Getting these water distribution sites up and running quickly was a top priority,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Local, state, and federal officials are working together in tandem to ensure that everyone in Jackson has the supplies they need to weather this crisis. As the state works to repair Jackson’s water system, we’ll ensure these sites are well stocked and able to meet the needs of the people.”
Water distribution supersites information
These sites will open at noon on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, until 6:30 p.m.Each POD will be open for water pick-up daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. until further notice.
The seven points-of-distribution (POD) sites are:
- State Fairgrounds: 1207 Mississippi St. Jackson,
- Metro Center Mall: 3645 Highway 80 Jackson,
- Smith Wills Stadium: 1200 Lakeland Dr Jackson,
- Thomas Cardozo Middle School: 3180 McDowell RD Ext Jackson
- Northwest Jackson Middle School: 7020 Highway 49 Jackson
- Hinds Community College Jackson: 3925 Sunset Drive Jackson,
- Davis Road Park: 2300 Davis Road Terry
Affected residents are asked to bring sealable containers to collect non-potable water for sanitation needs such as washing clothes, flushing toilets, personal hygiene, etc.
MEMA contact information:The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s Call Center is OPEN for residents affected by the Jackson Water Crisis. This call center will be a place for residents to turn to get information on resources available. The Call Center will be open for business starting today, September 1, 2022.The call center number is: 1-833-591-6362
Hours of Operation: Sunday-Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
O.B. Curtis improves overnight, according to city of Jackson
The O.B. Curtis Water Plant made significant gains overnight and into this morning.
City of Jackson officials say the situation improved overnight Wednesday and into Thursday morning. More than half of the city’s water tanks, many of which emptied entirely over the last few days, have begun filling back up, according to a news release from city spokesperson Justin Vicory.
“Areas closer to the plant are experiencing almost normal pressure. Areas further from the plant and at higher elevations are still experiencing low to no pressure. This pressure will improve as the tank levels increase,” Vicory said.
Water pressure has increased to 78 pounds per square inch, according to the release. The goal is to reach 87 PSI. As recently as Wednesday, the pressure of water coming through the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant was as low as 40 PSI, according to Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.
The increase in pressure came after Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that a rented pump had been installed at the plant which increased its capacity by about 5 million gallons per day. The higher amount of treated water will allow for the water tanks located throughout the city to begin refilling. Reeves said residents will not see water pressure return to normal levels until tanks in their area refill.
Jackson Public Schools will remain virtual through Monday
Jackson Public Schools announced Wednesday night that all schools will continue virtual learning through the end of this week and at least until Monday as the city of Jackson is experiencing a water system failure.
Here is the complete text of the notice posted on Jackson Public Schools website Wednesday night:
The city of Jackson and the state of Mississippi are collaborating to resolve the water shortage that is plaguing schools, residents and businesses throughout the city. President Joe Biden approved Mississippi’s emergency declaration on Tuesday, August 30 and ordered federal assistance to supplement the state’s response to the water crisis. While progress is being made toward resolving this massive challenge, the overwhelming majority of our schools still have low or no water pressure. Additionally, we have several schools whose air conditioning system depends on water to run effectively. As a result, we will continue virtual learning for the remainder of the week from Thursday, September 1, – Friday, September 2. We will also evaluate the water conditions of our buildings on September 4-5 to determine if it is safe to return to in-person learning on Tuesday, September 6.
Central Office staff are to report to work tomorrow during their regular schedule. If there is low water pressure, work will be shifted to other locations with suitable water pressure.
Breakfast and lunch times and locations will be announced soon.
In athletics, the following football games will continue as scheduled:Thursday, September 1, Hazlehurst vs. Wingfield at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Friday, September 2, Port Gibson vs. Jim Hill at North Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Friday, September 2, South Jones vs. Forest Hill at South Jackson Field, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Portable restrooms will be on-site at these games for restroom breaks.
Due to the lack of water at the facility and the large crowd anticipated, we had to temporarily cancel the “Graduation Classic” football game at the MS Veterans Memorial Stadium for Saturday, September 3. The games include Murrah vs. Callaway and Provine vs. Lanier high schools. We are working to reschedule the game at another location and anticipate an announcement forthcoming by tomorrow.
While we are sensitive to the disruption this entire week has been and continues to be for our scholars, staff, and families, we feel that these decisions are in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety.
We also want to remind everyone that the Warmline, 601-713-4358, is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is specifically dedicated to assist families who are overwhelmed due to the challenges of virtual learning and water outage stressors.
President Biden, VP Harris call Mayor Lumumba to express federal support
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said he had a “very encouraging” calls with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding federal support during the ongoing water crisis. Lumumba said the president stated FEMA will supporting MEMA immediately.
“They assured me their support was going to be demonstrated through long-range and long-term efforts through the EPA,” he said.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre discussed the water crisis at the beginning of Wednesday’s White House press briefing echoing the comments Biden made to Lumumba.
“The Environmental Protection Agency is deploying a subject matter expert to support the emergency assessment of the Jackson water treatment plants and is working to expedite delivery of equipment needed to repair Jackson’s water treatment plant,” she said.
Jackson water distribution sites for Wednesday
The City of Jackson will distribute cases of bottled water to residents in need today at three Jackson fire stations. All distributions begin at 2 p.m. and will resume until supplies run out. There is a limit of one case of water per vehicle.
All distribution sites open at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the following sites in Jackson.
- Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) 555 S. West St.
- Fire Station 7, 4265 N. State St.
- Fire Station 12, 2435 McFadden Rd.
- Non-potable water is also available at theMetroCenter at 3645 Highway 80. Residents are asked to bring a container to store the water.
- We will keep the media advised of any new developments on water distribution. The City of Jackson remains under a boil water notice.
School closures announced in Jackson area
The city of Jackson has indicated the water shortage will continue throughout the city for a few days. In addition to the water shortage, several schools’ air conditioning systems depend on water to run effectively.
As a result, the Jackson Public Schools are continuing virtual learning on Wednesday and will continue to evaluate the water conditions every day to determine when it is safe to return to in-person learning.
“While we understand that the next few days will be a major inconvenience for many of our working families, we feel that these decisions are in the best interest of our scholars, staff and families,” reads a statement from the Jackson Public Schools. “We also want to remind everyone that the Warmline, 601-713-4358, is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is specifically dedicated to assist families who are overwhelmed due to the challenges of virtual learning and water outage stressors.”
See a list of closings and postponements related to Jackson’s ongoing water crisis here.
Biden declares emergency for Jackson water crisis
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced late Tuesday night that President Joe Biden had approved an emergency declaration for the Jackson water crisis.
Biden’s emergency declaration will scramble federal resources to assist local and state officials. Emergency protective measures, the White House said, will be provided at 75% federal funding for a period of 90 days.
Jackson State football, Deion Sanders leave campus before FAMU game, city of Greenville offers support
The emergency has changed the way JSU coach Deion Sanders has had to prepare for the Tigers’ game against Florida A&M University on Sunday (2 p.m. CT) in Miami. The team is in the process of moving into hotels and finding a practice facility.
Other area football teams have not been affected by the water crisis.
Late Tuesday, Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons invited Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders, his coaching staff and players to stay in the Delta city.
Simmons said area business leaders and other community stakeholders agreed to provide food and housing assistance to the team. The city also will provide a practice field, particularly important as the Tigers prepare for Sunday’s game against FAMU at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The impact on Jackson businesses
Business owners in Jackson are at a breaking point as the State of Mississippi has announced a state of emergency with the embattled Jackson water system. Many are wondering if this is the beginning of the end for Jackson as there has been no hint from local or state leaders as to how long residents and businesses will be under a boil water notice.
“This isn’t a new thing. It has been going on for me for like 20 years. Everybody is acting like this is a new situation. It’s not. It’s a ridiculous situation that should have been addressed 20 years ago,” said Derek Emerson, who owns Walker’s Drive-in in Jackson.
Jackson mayor Lumumba welcomes state help while Gov. Reeves plans his own path
When Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Monday night for the city of Jackson to address the capital city’s failing water system, Mayor Chokwe Lumumba was noticeably absent from the news conference.
Minutes before, Lumumba issued a separate state of emergency, declaring a water system emergency as water pressure issues are resulting in low or no water pressure for many Jackson customers.
Both men were in meetings with state health department and emergency management leaders, but neither mentioned working with each other to combat the city’s ongoing water woes.
President Joe Biden briefed on Jackson water crisis
President Biden has been briefed on the Jackson water crisis and flooding, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who shared a thread on Twitter about the situation Tuesday morning.
“We are closely monitoring the floods in Mississippi, and the @POTUS,” the Tweets state, “has been briefed. At his direction, we have been in regular contact with state and local officials, including Mayor Lumumba, and made clear that the Federal Government stands ready to offer assistance.
“The city of Jackson is using over $20 million in American Rescue Plan to address water and sewer infrastructure needs. We have also made about $75 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding available this year to provide clean and safe water across the state of Mississippi.
“We will continue to partner closely with state and local officials to support the people of Mississippi, and stand ready to assist further as soon as we receive an official request from the state.
“FEMA is working closely with the state officials to identify needs, and the EPA is coordinating with industry partners to expedite delivery of critical treatment equipment for emergency repairs at the City of Jackson water treatment facilities.”
Jackson Water CrisisA look back at the ongoing issue with water in Mississippi’s capitol city
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba to hold 2 p.m. press conference
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the front steps of City Hall at 219 S. President St., Jackson, to address Jackson’s ongoing water crisis, the city announced earlier today.
Lumumba will discuss the status of the city’s water system and provide updates on city events and initiatives, city officials said.
The press conference comes a day after Lumumba and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared separate states of emergency over the failure of Jackson’s water system. Reeves is mobilizing the National Guard to distribute potable and non-potable water to Jackson residents.
Jackson Public Works Director Marlin King steps down
Also, Tuesday morning multiple media outlets are reporting that Jackson Public Works Director Marlin King has stepped down and been reassigned.
WLBT News of Jackson reported that King, who was confirmed by the city council a year ago, said he made the decision after speaking with Lumumba.
“He asked me to come in and identify some issues,” WLBT reported King as saying. “I’ve identified them and he’s now going to bring in someone who can work through them.”
King told WLBT that the issues “include employee mismanagement, a poor work environment, and vendors going unpaid.”
Where to get drinking water, non-potable water in Jackson
Also, Tuesday morning the City of Jackson announced the city will hold a mass distribution of water for residents, separate from a state-sponsored water distribution being handled by the Mississippi National Guard.
“The City of Jackson has brought in tankers to distribute non-potable water to residents in need. Residents are asked to bring a container – such as a garbage can or cooler – to store the water. The tankers are located at Forest Hill High School at 2607 Raymond Road and at the MetroCenter at 3645 Highway 80,” the city announced.
“Non-potable water is not of drinking quality, but may still be used for other purposes, such as flushing toilets, washing clothes and cleaning.
“We will update residents on additional water distribution sites as soon as we have new information. “
