The Mississippi Department of Health has completed the testing required to lower Jackson’s boil water notice, which had been in effect for seven weeks. Progress made at the city’s troubled water treatment facility has allowed pressure to be fully restored and pump enough clean water through the system to flush out toxins. But Governor Tate Reeves says repairs at the facility are very much still ongoing.
“It is possible, although I pray not inevitable, that there will be further interruptions,” says Reeves. “We can not perfectly predict what can go wrong with such a broken system in the future. We do know that the experts tell us that the state’s boil water notice can end.”
Although water at the testing locations has been deemed clean, the Department of Health advises residents flush contaminated water out of their pipes by running cold water for several minutes. Deputy Director Jim Craig says customers should also avoid using hot water for cooking or drinking.
“We’re at the point now that the disinfection levels in the system have been verified through EPA-approved laboratory tests,” says Craig. “I think that the folks in Jackson if you follow the guidance that we have on our website on what to do in your home when you have a boil water notice is lifted is the best thing for them to know that they have safe water to drink.”
Despite the assurances made by the Department of Health, Governor Reeves says if someone didn’t feel safe drinking the water on July 1st, they may not feel safe now. Although he does say he plans to consume the water in the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson.
