Mississippi health officials ignored warnings about Jackson’s deteriorating water system for years, allowing residents to drink toxic water and setting the stage for the city’s massive water crisis.
Lylla Younes reports for Grist.
In short:
- Mississippi's health department identified elevated lead levels in Jackson's water in 2015 but delayed informing the city, risking public health.
- Years of neglect, underfunding, and mismanagement by state and local officials compounded the city's water system failures, leading to severe crises in 2021 and 2022.
- Federal intervention has brought improvements, but transparency issues persist with the oversight of Jackson's water system.
Key quote:
“I wish that [the report] did surprise us, but the trust level of the community with the state is so low.”
— Makani Themba, local activist.
Why this matters:
This isn’t just about bureaucratic failures; it’s a stark reminder of how environmental injustice and public health negligence often go hand in hand. The people of Jackson have been paying the price for years, with their health and safety hanging in the balance. Read more: Tracking down a poison: Inside the fight for global action on lead.
