Mississippi Governor Says Jackson Residents Are Set to Lose Running Water for Unknown Amount of Time Due to Water Shortage

Hinds County Emergency Management Operations deputy director Tracy Funches, right, and operations coordinator Luke Chennault, wade through flood waters as they check water levels in neighborhoods that are near the Pearl River in northeast Jackson, Miss., Aug. 29, 2022. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP)

People in Mississippi’s capital are poised to lose running water for an undetermined amount of time, the state’s governor said Monday night.

A major pump at Jackson’s main water treatment facility was damaged and the city has been using backup pumps, Gov. Tate Reeves said during a news conference.

Until it’s fixed, there will be no reliable running water in Jackson, which will impact up to 180,000 people. The city won’t be able to produce enough water for serious needs, including fighting fires and flushing toilets, Reeves said.

All Jackson Public Schools will shift to virtual learning on Tuesday due to the water shortage, the school district said.

“We will continue to closely monitor the water conditions on a day-by-day basis at our schools while conferring with city officials to determine when scholars and staff can safely return for in-person learning,” the district said.

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SOURCE: ABC News, Teddy Grant