Gov. Haley Barbour extended the state of emergency for Jackson in the wake of more than 100 water-main breaks in the city, spilling roughly 22 million gallons of water. Parts of Jackson remain without water this morning, and some schools, businesses and government offices remain closed, although about 70 percent of the breaks have been repaired.
Ten crews are hard at work fixing the breaks, but Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. is requesting that citizens be judicial with water even as pressure is restored, and continue to boil water for eating and drinking purposes. In all likelihood, the state Department of Health will need to run several safety tests on the water.
At this time, Johnson will not commit to a time when water service will be fully restored. The city has set up a water-crisis hot line to report any new water issues: 601-960-1111. It's also best to call ahead to any Jackson business, government office or school before making an unnecessary trip.
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