Torrential rains and floods on the Pearl River in late August worsened difficulties at one of Jackson's two treatment facilities, causing a reduction in pressure across the city. The city of 150,000 people had previously been under a boil-water advisory for a month after the Health Department discovered murky water that might cause stomach issues. Long lineups have formed each day at distribution centres for limited supply of bottled water.
Reeves issued a state of emergency for Jackson's water system. The state will try to assist fix issues by hiring contractors to operate at the treatment facility, which was working at reduced capacity with backup pumps after the primary pumps failed "some time ago," according to Reeves. President Joe Biden has accepted an emergency declaration request for the state of Mississippi, authorising his administration to increase government help to the region, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.