Jackson, MS – People in Jackson, Mississippi, are going a second week without a basic human need: clean drinking water. Now, business owners say they’re suffering, too. Lutaya Stewart is the owner of Children’s Edcuare in Jackson. She says her problems with the city’s water system began many years ago. A Jackson, Mississippi preschool teacher continues school without clean drinking water for students. (Joy Addison/Fox News) “We’ve had a boil water advisory for six weeks,” Stewart said. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI RESTAURANT MANAGER SHARES WATER CRISIS STRUGGLES: ‘HUGE RIPPLE EFFECTS’ After being closed for three days, her daycare is now open because the water pressure has been restored. However, the water is still not safe to drink. “Right now we’re just trying to accommodate our parents. Because, we charge them. And, of course, in order to charge them, you want to be able to provide the service,” Stewart said. Stewart said the city of Jackson had water problems long before the Pearl River flooded on Monday, Aug. 29, damaging the city’s water system. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI CAN’T PRODUCE WATER TO FIGHT FIRE, FLUSHING TOILETS: GOVERNOR A February 2020 report by the Mississippi Department of Health reported a score of three out of five for drinking water inspections and 16 violations. A 2020 water system inspection report reports an overall rating of three out of five for the drinking water supply inspection. (Joy Addison/Fox News) A note says the severity of the reported deficiencies should require weekly operating reports until all repairs are made. An inspection report states that close monitoring is required due to the severity of deficiencies in the water system. (Joy Addison/Fox News) Stewart said she hopes the federal and local governments understand how much the current situation is taking on businesses. “You’re paying a water bill, first of all — for water you can’t even drink. We still have to buy water,” Stewart said. JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI WATER CRISIS: FEMA ADMIN SAYS UNSURE WHEN WATER WILL BE SAFE TO DRINK It also looks at the added toll on parents as they deal with contaminated water at home. Some residents have been told by a Mississippi Department of Health Director to shower with their mouths closed. A water donation site where people in Jackson can go to get drinking water. (Joy Addison/Fox News) “It’s been a struggle trying to maintain the health and safety of our staff, the kids, but also just worrying when they leave. You know? What are they going to do at home?” Stewart said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Although the restored water pressure solves the toilet flushing issue, officials say they are not sure how long residents in Jackson will have to boil their water before drinking it. Health officials said the contaminated water is also unsafe for pets. Joy Addison joined Fox News in 2022 as a media reporter in Houston.
