Jackson Water Crisis

In mid-August of 2022, Jackson, Mississippi faced failures in infrastructure coincided with increased rain causing the Pearl River to begin flooding. During this time the Pearl River was predicted to crest below the major flood plain 36 feet at 35.37 feet. Geographically, the Pearl River extends through a major portion of the Jackson Metro Area however, the Ross Barnett Reservoir which is a major water system to the area is also connected to the Pearl River. When flooding increases in this area the Reservoir increases flow into the Pearl River as well so that the Reservoir and its community is not flooded since this is located in a flood plain.

With increased flooding, the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, which is located significantly close to the Pearl River, experienced a decrease in water pressure due to localized flooding increasing, causing damages which caused the plant to not be able to produce significant amounts of water to the city of Jackson. With this, residents of the city either had very low water pressure or no water pressure at all. This event received national attention due to the longevity of no water for residents. 

It is important to note that over the course of years Jackson, Mississippi has constantly had issues with water issues. In July of 2022, Jackson had a boiled water notice for the majority of the city. Water in this area is a constant struggle between local leaders and the government of Mississippi. Coincidentally enough, Jackson is the blackest city in the state of Mississippi. Would this have happened in a city that was predominantly white?