The Mississippi National Guard has stationing tanker trucks outside several Jackson schools distributing non-potable water for residents in need. Parts of the city have not had running water for more than a week. As Guard members fill her containers, Jackson resident Carol Green feels fortunate to have her daughter’s help traveling to a water distribution site. "I feel sorry for other senior citizens than myself. Especially those that are unable to get out, and I feel like they should have people to go to their houses to make sure they're okay, that they have what they need."
The City of Jackson’s Public Works Director Charles Williams says water pressure is expected to be restored over the weekend. But he says it all depends on how efficiently the city can filter water and fill storage tanks. "We've got to just continue to maintain that output. And like I said we're going to have to back off some to do maintenance. But as long as we can get back up and stay steady over that 80 PSI, we'll consistently see more people get water restored, and we'll be sustainable.
South Jackson resident Tommy Jackson says his home hasn't had water in more than a week. He says the non-potable water from the National Guard is helpful, but he says drinking water is even more scarce. "I've been going all over Jackson, different places. I first started out looking for water all over Jackson. I went down to Byram and Kroger, and I was scoopin' water up out the ground. Out of a puddle."
The National Guard Tankers will be distributing water again today, and in addition, the city will be distributing bottles of drinking water while supplies last.
