The city of Jackson issued the following updates for March 9 about the ongoing water crisis and recovery efforts being made as a result of recent winter weather:
Water Restoration
Today we had another consistent day with pressure staying steady around 85 pounds per square inch (psi). Initial sampling also began today on the well water system and will continue tomorrow. We need two consecutive days of good samples before we can get approval from the Health Department to remove boil water notices. We are gauging progress by measuring the psi in the water distribution system.The goal is to reach ~ 90 psi at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant and ~80 psi at the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant.When the winter weather came through, psi dropped to 37 resulting in water outages throughout the city of Jackson and city of Byram.
Sunday’s setback at the plant has delayed sampling on the surface water system. We anticipate starting sampling on the surface water system closer to the end of the week.We estimate less than 500 connections in the city are still experiencing low or no water pressure. Again, these are pockets of south Jackson that are at higher elevations. It is also possible that some of these residents are experiencing meter issues or broken pipes in their homes due to the storm. Our team continues to investigate and find solutions.
Reports of new water main breaks/leaks have tapered off to a normal cadence. Our crews continue to work through the list of 113 water main breaks/leaks since the winter weather came through. Seventy-seven have been repaired/addressed, eight are ready for repair and 28 are awaiting confirmation. A system-wide precautionary boil water notice is still in effect for all surface water connections (~43K connections) and all well water connections (~16K connections).
Please continue to report any water main breaks/leaks to 311.
Water Distribution
Non-potable (flushing) water will be available March 10 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Forest Hill High School, 2607 Raymond Road.
Billing Adjustments for Repairs
Citizens who have experienced a significant leak or loss of water due to a plumbing issue or busted pipes during this past week should retain copies of the plumbing statements after repair to provide to Water Sewer Billing Administration for consideration of an adjustment to your bill. To qualify for a leak adjustment, take a copy of your plumbing receipt or a receipt for parts purchased to the applications counter at WSBA. A customer services representative can assist. Call 601-960-2000 for more information.
Phone Lines
The volume of calls to 311 is still high. We ask that residents please leave a message stating their full name, phone number, address and situation. In addition to 311, residents can also call 601-960-1111 or 601-960-1778. All water meter issues should be directed to 601-960-2000.
