Topline Messages

• As work continues on the Jackson Water System, the federal government remains in close coordination with local and state partners to help the city stabilize the system and develop a plan for long term solutions.
• The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reports that, overall, water production continues to improve. However, fluctuations are expected as consumption varies and components temporarily come on and off-line for repairs.
• The local/state response to the water emergency in Mississippi is being supported by FEMA, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• This is a whole community effort, including local, state, federal, private sector, faith-based and voluntary organizations.
  • The DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships has reached out and met with numerous local faith leaders and organizations to identify any additional needs.
  • FEMA is also coordinating with state voluntary agency liaisons as they develop a plan for receiving volunteers and donations from national organizations.
  • State and federal partners are meeting regularly with Mayor Lumumba to coordinate the response. Additionally, FEMA has embedded a liaison at the mayor’s office to maintain close coordination and communication.

Federal assistance

• Houses of worship and religious nonprofit organizations that provide critical or essential social services and were affected by or supporting response for the Jackson Water Crisis in Hinds County may be eligible for FEMA assistance for emergency protective measures.
• President Biden’s emergency declaration authorizes reimbursement for emergency protective measures under FEMA’s Public Assistance program, including Direct Federal Assistance, for Hinds County at 75% federal funding for 90 days.
• All local governments and any eligible private nonprofits, including houses of worship, within Hinds County are eligible to apply for assistance.
• MEMA hosted a Public Assistance Applicant Briefing on Sept. 9 for potential program applicants in the City of Jackson. A video recording of the briefing is available online for all interested organizations:  Public Assistance - MEMA (msema.org).
• The Public Assistance program is administered by MEMA. FEMA reimburses 75% of eligible costs while the state and applicants cover the remaining 25%.
• Federal funding under the Public Assistance program is available to support:
  • Temporary measures to reestablish water pressure and to sustain pressure while assessing more permanent repairs.
  • The cost of contracted water deliveries.
  • Additional staffing measures to help keep the water treatment plant running during this temporary timeframe.
• The deadline to submit a Request for Public Assistance is Sept. 29.
• In addition to assistance provided under the Emergency Declaration, FEMA is identifying other available federal resources, beyond what FEMA programs can provide, to help the City of Jackson and the state to address longer-term solutions to the city’s water system.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

• USACE received a mission assignment from FEMA Sept. 1 and the Vicksburg District immediately began work on assessments at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant in Jackson.
• Assessments of the pumping system, electrical system and plant processes have been completed. The assessment team is assisting the city of Jackson’s public works department in developing a plan for winterization and long-term resiliency in the water and wastewater systems.
• For long-term resiliency, USACE recently received $5 million in FY22 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for the City of Jackson Water System Rehabilitation project (water and wastewater rehabilitation), with a federal cost share of 75%. USACE will work with the city on priorities.

EPA

• EPA is supporting the emergency assessment of the city’s water treatment facilities and has expedited delivery of critical equipment to help repair the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant.
• EPA personnel are working with state and local authorities to establish process controls, address corrosion control, remove sediment from treatment process, develop a monitoring plan and conduct preliminary water quality checks on the system.
• EPA is providing technical support to the city and the state with the operator staffing plan through mutual aid until a contract operator is identified.

Where Can Individuals Receive Bottled Water?

• Due to improved water pressure and a decrease in demand for non-potable water, Metrocenter Mall is the ONLY site providing non-potable water, water used for flushing toilets. All four sites continue distributing drinking bottled water.
• Each site is open for water pick-up daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. until further notice.
  • State Fairgrounds, 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, MS
  • Metrocenter Mall, 3645 Highway 80, Jackson, MS (Non-potable)
  • Smith Wills Stadium, 1200 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, MS
  • Davis Road Park, 2300 Davis Rd., Terry, MS 39170
• The State Water Distribution Sites are open to all those impacted by the Jackson water crisis.
  • No one will ask for an I.D.
  • If someone asks for an ID at one of the sites MEMA is providing water to, report it to the MEMA call center at 1-833-591-6362.
• For City of Jackson water precautions, visit HealthyMS.com/JacksonWater.
• For a list of distribution sites and numbers to call for individuals who need water delivered to their homes, visit MSEMA.org/Jackson-water-crisis-2022.
• MEMA’s Resource Information Call Center is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Residents may call 1-833-591-6362 with questions.
• The private sector and faith-based and voluntary organizations are also providing water to those who cannot get to distribution sites.

Donations Management

• Donations management is being handled locally by volunteer and faith-based organizations. To donate to support the Jackson Water Crisis, go to msema.org. and click on the Jackson Water Crisis 2022 tab for a list of donation recipients.