![]() ![]() The reservoir also has a role in flood control. Jackson has two water-treatment plants, and the larger one is near a reservoir that provides most of the city’s water supply. Parts of Jackson flooded in 2020 after the river rose above that level. That is short of the major flood stage level of 36 feet (10.97 meters). The National Weather Service said the Pearl River crested Monday at about 35.4 feet (10.8 meters). Earlier projections showed about 100 to 150 buildings in the Jackson area faced the possibility of flooding. One home was flooded Monday but the mayor said the water did not rise as high as expected. The problems at the water treatment plant came after the city appeared to largely avoid widespread flooding from a Pearl River swollen by days of heavy rain. Reeves said the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will start distributing both drinking water and non-potable water, and he activated the National Guard to help. Jean-Pierre said White House officials have been in contact with local officials and the state Health Department, but had no details about calls between President Joe Biden and local or state officials. “I cannot speak for the state of Mississippi. She said the state has not asked FEMA for help with trucking in drinking water, and declined to say why. “We stand ready and we are eager to assist further as soon as we receive an official request from the state,” she told reporters aboard Air Force One. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that the federal government is prepared to help Mississippi respond to the water crisis. “We’re going to find somewhere to practice, find somewhere that can accommodate every durn thing that we need and desire to be who we desire to be, and that’s dominate,” Sanders said. In a video that one of his sons posted to social media, Sanders - also known as Coach Prime - said he wanted to move players into a hotel so they could shower. Jackson State University brought in temporary restrooms for students, and Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders said the water crisis left his players without air conditioning or ice at their practice facility. Jackson schools held classes online Tuesday, and some restaurants closed. “The water is not safe to drink, and I'd even say it's not safe to brush your teeth with,” the state health officer, Dr. ![]() Those who did have water flowing from the tap were told to boil it to kill bacteria that could make them sick. Low water pressure left some people unable to take showers or flush toilets and officials said the low pressure caused concern for firefighting. The city’s population is now more than 80% Black, with about 25% of its residents living in poverty. Its tax base has eroded the past few decades as the population decreased - the result of mostly white flight to suburbs that began after public schools integrated in 1970. Like many cities, Jackson faces more water system problems that it can afford to fix. Lumumba is Democrat and was not invited to the Republican governor’s Monday night news conference - another indication of tension between two politicians who are often at odds. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said Jackson's water system is troubled by short staffing and “decades of deferred maintenance." The state will try to help resolve problems by hiring contractors to work at the treatment plant, which was operating at diminished capacity with backup pumps after the main pumps failed "some time ago," Reeves said. Tate Reeves said late Monday that he's declaring a state of emergency for Jackson's water system, and he issued the proclamation Tuesday. He said they have been spending $300 a day for bottled water in the past month. Emerson and his wife, Jennifer, own the upscale Walker's Drive-In. “They are making it impossible for us to do business in Jackson, Mississippi,” restaurant owner Derek Emerson told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Tate Reeves said he's declaring a state of emergency after excessive rainfall worsened problems in one of Jackson’s already troubled water-treatment plants. 18, 2022, as part of the city's response to longstanding water system problems. Firefighters and recruits for the Jackson, Miss., Fire Department carry cases of bottled water to residents vehicles, Aug. ![]()
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