Mississippi governor declares state of emergency with end of Jackson water crisis nowhere in sight

By Bracey Harris and David K. Li, NBC News

Residents of the capital city have long been plagued by water problems, and recent flooding caused this latest shortage, which will last for “an unknown period of time.”

Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency Tuesday, saying a water crisis in Mississippi’s largest city threatens “critical needs” and has no end in sight.

While residents are accustomed to water challenges, the current shortage of safe running water is particularly dangerous, he said.

“The is a very different situation from a boil water notice — which is also a serious situation which the residents of Jackson have become tragically numb to,” Reeves said in a statement.

“Until it is fixed, it means we do not have reliable running water at scale. It means the city cannot produce enough water to reliably flush toilets, fight fire and meet other critical needs.”

On Tuesday night, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration in the state, freeing up federal resources to help manage the crisis.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said he hopes the emergency will spur various levels of government to address the city’s deteriorating water treatment infrastructure.

Learn more about this emergency.

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