Jackson – Mississippi – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Jackson Water, operating as JXN Water under federal court-appointed management since November 2022, serves approximately 180,000 residents across Mississippi’s capital city and surrounding areas including Byram and portions of Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties. The system encompasses over 1,500 miles of water distribution lines, two major treatment plants, and numerous pumping stations that deliver an average of 42 million gallons of drinking water daily across roughly 150 square miles of service territory.
Jackson sources its drinking water from the Ross Barnett Reservoir and the Pearl River, both surface water sources treated at the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant and J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant respectively. Following decades of infrastructure challenges and compliance issues, the utility now operates under federal oversight with interim third-party manager Ted Henifin leading comprehensive system rehabilitation efforts. JXN Water has implemented significant improvements in treatment operations, distribution system repairs, and regulatory compliance while working toward long-term stability and sustainable water service for Mississippi’s largest metropolitan area.
Jackson Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: Recent testing shows Jackson remains out of compliance with EPA Lead and Copper Rule requirements, with ongoing efforts to implement proper corrosion control treatment at both water treatment plants.
- System Violations: The water system continues to receive “Failure to Meet Water Quality Parameters” violations since 2018 and “Failure to Install Corrosion Control Treatment” violations since 2020, requiring Mississippi State Department of Health-approved improvements.
- Boil Water Notices: Since February 2023, Jackson has issued only two citywide boil water notices lasting a combined two days, with 125 localized notices in the last three months affecting an average of 64 connections each.
Water Sources
- Ross Barnett Reservoir: Primary source providing treated water through the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, serving the majority of Jackson’s water supply needs.
- Pearl River: Secondary source processed at the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant, with plans to potentially retire this facility once distribution losses are reduced to target levels.
- Groundwater Wells: Two backup groundwater wells provide additional supply security during high demand periods or when surface water treatment plants require maintenance.
Treatment Operations Management
- Jacobs Solutions Partnership: Since January 2025, Jacobs operates both treatment plants under a 10-year contract, providing professional management, staffing, and technical expertise to ensure reliable water production.
- O.B. Curtis Plant Improvements: Membrane system production increased from 10 to over 20 million gallons per day through repairs and optimization, with improved sedimentation basin operations and increased treatment capacity.
- Workforce Development: JXN Water and Jacobs hired 47 licensed operators, mechanics, and support personnel to address previous understaffing issues and bring compensation to industry standards.
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
- Distribution System Repairs: Comprehensive replacement of aging water lines has reduced daily production needs from 58 to 42 million gallons, saving approximately $3.7 million annually in production costs.
- Sewer System Progress: Completed repairs on nearly 300 sewer line failures, reducing the service request backlog from 2,200 to under 200 while preventing raw sewage releases.
- Federal Investment: Over $600 million in federal funding allocated for system improvements, with JXN Water spending $238 million to date on critical water and sewer infrastructure needs.
Regulatory Oversight and Community Engagement
Jackson’s water system operates under a federal court-ordered Interim Stipulated Order managed by interim third-party manager Ted Henifin, with oversight extending until at least 2027. The EPA, Department of Justice, and Mississippi State Department of Health collaborate on compliance monitoring and improvement planning. Community organizations including the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign have gained formal intervention status in federal proceedings, ensuring resident voices are heard in system management decisions. JXN Water provides customer assistance programs including SNAP-based discounts for low-income residents, though implementation has faced legal challenges regarding privacy protections. The utility’s commitment to transparency includes regular quarterly reports, public meetings, and ongoing communication about system improvements and water quality status.
Recommendations for Jackson Residents
Test Your Water
Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health for lead testing recommendations, especially for homes built before 1986. Given Jackson’s lead and copper compliance issues, private testing may provide additional peace of mind for concerned residents.
Monitor System Updates
Stay informed about boil water notices and system improvements through JXN Water’s website and quarterly reports. Sign up for emergency alerts and follow local news for updates on infrastructure projects and service disruptions.
Consider Advanced Filtration
Given Jackson’s water quality challenges, homes may benefit from NSF-certified filters (Standards 53 and 58) designed to reduce lead, disinfection byproducts, and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
Report Issues and Stay Connected
Contact JXN Water customer service for billing questions, service issues, or water quality concerns. Participate in community meetings and public comment periods to ensure your voice is heard in system management decisions.
Understand Your Bill
Familiarize yourself with JXN Water’s new rate structure implemented in 2024. Eligible SNAP recipients may qualify for discount programs, though enrollment processes are still being finalized through federal court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jackson’s tap water safe to drink?
Jackson’s water system is currently undergoing major rehabilitation under federal oversight. While the EPA has determined that water from both treatment plants is safe to drink as of recent testing, the system continues to face compliance challenges with lead and copper regulations.
Residents should stay informed about boil water notices and consider additional filtration for homes with older plumbing. JXN Water and Jacobs Solutions have made significant improvements to treatment operations since 2023, including increased production capacity and improved staffing at both treatment plants. The utility publishes quarterly reports on system progress and water quality testing results available on their website.
Why have there been so many water problems in Jackson?
Jackson’s water infrastructure challenges stem from decades of deferred maintenance, aging equipment, and insufficient funding for system upgrades. The city’s water system includes over 1,500 miles of distribution lines, some over 100 years old.
Major issues have included:
1. Treatment plant equipment failures and inadequate staffing at critical facilities
2. Extensive water losses due to leaky pipes and outdated distribution infrastructure
3. Compliance violations with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, particularly for lead and copper control
The current federal intervention aims to address these systemic problems through comprehensive infrastructure improvements, professional management, and sustained funding for long-term system stability.
What is being done about lead in Jackson’s water?
Jackson’s water system currently remains out of compliance with EPA Lead and Copper Rule requirements, with ongoing violations since 2020 for failure to install proper corrosion control treatment:
• Treatment improvements: JXN Water and Jacobs are implementing Mississippi State Department of Health-approved corrosion control measures at both treatment plants
• Ongoing monitoring: Regular lead and copper sampling continues throughout the distribution system, with results reported to state and federal regulators
• Infrastructure replacement: Systematic replacement of aging water lines helps reduce lead exposure risks from older plumbing materials
• Resident protection: Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to potential lead-containing plumbing components
The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends that residents flush taps before drinking, especially in older homes, and consider water testing for lead contamination.
How long will federal oversight continue?
Federal oversight of Jackson’s water system will continue until the court determines the system is stable and sustainable:
Current Timeline:
• Interim third-party manager Ted Henifin is appointed until at least 2027 under federal court order
• Extension depends on achieving measurable progress in infrastructure stability and regulatory compliance
• U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate retains authority to modify or extend oversight based on system performance
Transition Planning:
• State legislation proposes transferring long-term control to a new utility authority rather than returning control to the city
• Community advocacy groups have gained formal legal standing to participate in decisions about the system’s future
• Long-term sustainability requires completion of priority infrastructure projects and establishment of sufficient revenue streams for ongoing operations
Contaminants of Concern
Lead and Copper
Source: Lead contamination typically originates from older plumbing systems, service lines, and fixtures installed before 1986, particularly when proper corrosion control is not maintained
Health Effects: Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, potentially causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems
Current Status: Jackson remains out of compliance with EPA Lead and Copper Rule since 2020, with 90th percentile levels previously ranging from 8-16 ppb EPA Action Level: 15 ppb for lead requires immediate action to improve corrosion control
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chlorine disinfectants react with natural organic matter in source water from Ross Barnett Reservoir and Pearl River during treatment processes
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase cancer risk and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Recent testing shows haloacetic acids averaging 54 ppb (up to 45 ppb) and trihalomethanes averaging 58 ppb (up to 68 ppb) EPA Limits: 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5) and 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial activities, military installations, and consumer products that can persist in surface water sources and groundwater
Health Effects: Research indicates potential links to kidney cancer, liver damage, immune system impacts, thyroid dysfunction, and reproductive health issues
Current Status: Mississippi water testing has revealed elevated PFAS levels in various locations; Jackson area testing shows presence of these “forever chemicals” requiring monitoring EPA Limits: New 2024 regulations set maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt each
Heavy Metals
Source: Arsenic occurs naturally in Mississippi groundwater, while chromium-6 contamination may result from industrial processes and aging infrastructure components
Health Effects: Arsenic is a known carcinogen causing skin, bladder, and lung cancers; chromium-6 exposure linked to respiratory and gastrointestinal health impacts
Current Levels: Testing shows arsenic presence in Jackson’s water supply, with chromium-6 detected at levels averaging 48.5 parts per trillion EPA Limits: Arsenic maximum contaminant level is 10 ppb; chromium-6 remains unregulated federally
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