The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency overlooked key issues in Mississippi's use of federal water infrastructure funds, which could have averted the 2022 Jackson water crisis.
Lylla Younes reports for Grist.
In short:
- In 2022, the EPA reported no issues with Mississippi's water infrastructure spending, yet Jackson faced a severe water crisis the next day.
- A new report reveals the EPA failed to address inadequate fund distribution to Jackson, contributing to ongoing water quality problems.
- Jackson’s outdated infrastructure, worsened by socio-economic shifts and insufficient state support, remains a pressing issue.
Key quote:
“EPA oversight is very important. The agency can’t force states to spend money in a certain way, but its oversight can nudge and prod states toward best practices.”
— Nick Schwellenbach, POGO researcher
Why this matters:
The Jackson water crisis exposed deep-rooted problems in the city's aging infrastructure, exacerbated by years of underinvestment and mismanagement. Federal funds intended to modernize and maintain water systems were either misallocated or insufficiently monitored, leading to widespread system failures during the crisis. This breakdown not only posed significant public health risks but also emphasized environmental justice concerns, as marginalized communities bore the brunt of the crisis.
Be sure to read: Jackson's water crisis: A tale of failed promises and financial ruin.
