Friday, October 28, 2022

CL: How Jackson's Water System Failed

 As Jackson's water system drowned, most reporters covering the story stayed in the shallow end of the pool as they repeated tired narratives requiring little analysis or research. The Clarion-Ledger dove into the deep end  and came up with a damn good story.  Surprised? Yours truly was too until he saw the bylines.  

Gannett's Investigations Editor Emily Le Coz spearheaded team of three reporters.  Ah..., Emily Le Coz, that explains the thoroughness of the article.  She had the downtown beat at the Clarion-Ledger ten years ago and definitely knows where some bodies are buried. The veteran reporter shook off the rust, turned back the clock, and gave a sorely needed lesson in reporting to the Jackson (and national) media.  Article.

The article opened with some history but quickly turned towards the present:

More than a century before failing infrastructure left Jackson, Mississippi, without running water this summer, thousands of the capital city's residents gathered in a park downtown to celebrate the new water filtration plant that promised to turn the muddy liquid flowing into people’s taps into “clean, pure water.”....

Today, Jackson’s water system is a symbol of national embarrassment, highlighted by this August’s crisis that deprived more than 170,000 people of water to drink, wash or flush toilets.

It was the latest in a series of water-related problems plaguing the state’s biggest city. They include frequent line breaks, shut-offs, boil-water notices and ongoing exposure to toxic lead and harmful bacteria. Jackson consistently has been in violation of safe drinking water standards since at least 2018 and has been under a federal order since 2020 to fix a host of issues impacting its water system....

 Before turning back to the past: 

The reporting found a complex story of population decline, poverty, racism, politics, mismanagement and theft. But key details emerged that, when pieced together, paint a portrait of a water system that was flawed from the start and worsened exponentially over the years as those in power seemingly lost control. 

The system was cobbled together over the course of several administrations into a needlessly complicated operation with several moving parts. Complaints about bad water were rampant early on, and the system, unlike most Mississippi communities, relies mostly on surface water instead of cleaner, simpler wells.

No surprise to readers of this website.  However, the story goes in a direction that actually uses the forbidden "M" word: 

In choosing surface water, Jackson created for itself a host of challenges. But, in the view of Jason Barrett, associate extension professor with the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute, Jackson's decision was not a fatal flaw. Other cities – like Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville – also pull from surface water sources without nearly the issues facing their Mississippi neighbor. 

“I don’t think Jackson’s issue is the quality of the source,” Barrett said. “I think Jackson’s problem is management.”

 Hot diggity damn!  A reporter actually said it but the team wasn't through with breaking barriers. The article uses the "S" word as well. 

As the cost to fix Jackson's problems climbs, the city’s utility revenues are in a freefall. ...

Part of the issue is its dwindling customer base. Jackson has lost utility sales as its population declines and major customers like schools and hospitals disconnect from the system in lieu of more stable sources of water like wells. 

But it's also because of rampant theft by residents who altered meters and connections to avoid paying for water, as well as by city workers who circumvented the billing system and bribed customers to give them cash in exchange for wiping out their monthly bills. A pair of investigations, one launched in 2015 and the other in 2019, nabbed more than two dozen people in a scheme that then-Public Works Director Bob Miller called "the worst I've ever seen." 

But perhaps the biggest culprit is a faulty water meter and billing system installed by German technology company Siemens as part of a $91 million contract signed in 2012.

Can't believe that passage appeared in a news story about the Jackson water system.  Someone needs to turn this team into its boss for committing the crime of engaging in real journalism. 

Read the rest of the article or go buy a Sunday paper when it appears in print.  It covers a a great deal of rarely-tread ground that is worthy of your time.


20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Too little too late. The nation has already moved on.

That’s how the democrat operatives do it. Just like a drive-by shooting. That’s exactly why Rush used to call them the “drive-by media” because the original lie of “systemic racism” as the cause of the crisis, is all that Joe Six-pack and Sally Soccermom will remember.

Google “Jackson Mississippi Water Crisis” and all you get are the hundreds of articles that all say “system racism and white flight” were the cause of the crisis.

And you are just a raving lunatic if you try to say otherwise.

Anonymous said...

My surprise in the story is they never mentioned the $5/month maintenance fee Ditto stopped. Also the headline is not accurate to the story.

Anonymous said...

While I appreciate the attempt not cover this story, they lost me at the “R”-word. Racism.

Where’s any actual proof of racism in Jackson’s third-world water system?

Anonymous said...

I'll take your word for it, KF, as there is no f*ckin' way I'm paying for access.

Anonymous said...

This CL article analogous to getting a grand slam home run after the stadium already emptied out.

Anonymous said...

Public service announcement. Please do not flush during the Jackson State football game. We are having some high profile well known sports figures here for the popular “Game Day” television show. We are trying to hide the fact we have very little (albeit undrinkable) water in the Capitol city. There is no way we can hide the crumbling streets. The city has arranged for special protection support for these visitors. We want them to enjoy their visit to the Capitol city.

Anonymous said...

Good info but unfortunately way way way over the head of 80% of Jackson's voters.

Anonymous said...

Weather forecast - rain...all...day...Saturday.

Anonymous said...

In honor of the Mayor’s request and the presence of the ESPN crew and all the wonderful out of town JSU and Southern fans I pledge to not flush my toilet until Monday at 8 AM!

Anonymous said...

I credit KF with pushing this story until print media finally picked it up. I wonder how hard they had to push to actually get it published?

Anonymous said...

Does LeMaster rip off the C-L also?

Anonymous said...

5:21, with time-of-day displaying on our our various devices, with such accuracy, it would be terrible, if evil people did just the opposite of what you're pledging. It would be horrible, and a terrible embarrassment (in front of those who really matter: Mainstream Media people from Yankeeland) if everyone flushed simultaneously.

Anonymous said...

Attitude of the incoming leadership made all the problems worse. When Harvey Johnson and his next two successors took office they had the attitude that they were getting the keys to a smooth running Mercedes and they would only need to stay out of the ditches and enjoy the ride. The "Capital City". They did not realize they really had a high-mileage chevy badly in need of an overhaul and new tires. So they set about enjoying the ride. What maintenance? Now it won't steer or accelerate for the new drivers and they are in the ditch. Who do you blame? The last time I almost bought a used car I checked it first. Wasn't worth the cost of repairs.

Anonymous said...

Never fear! Gameday’s presence will solve all of our problems. Thank goodness!!

Anonymous said...

Chose surface water over cleaner well water!!! That choice was made before Fewell was built in 1914!!! If Jackson had relied on wells for the past 100 years the aquifer would have dried up 50 years ago!!!

Anonymous said...

“needlessly complicated operation with several moving parts”. What the heck does that mean??? Help us out KF for those that won’t touch the CL.

Anonymous said...


oss Barnett wasn't built until late '50-early '60's I believe, sure hasn't been a 100 Years-

Anonymous said...

11:02. Read KF’s previous posts. Jackson was getting water out of the Pearl River BEFORE Fewell was built in 1914. Pumped untreated/unfiltered water from Fewell site to downtown area.

Anonymous said...

Dr. Jason Barrett calls the issue “management”. I know Jason, he’s a good delta boy. He’s on top of water systems around Mississippi. And he’s exactly correct. I’m glad he wasn’t scared to say the truth.

Anonymous said...

Anna Wolfe is best reporter around (except for you of course King), but unfortunately she’s got a one-track mind, and can’t seem to cover more than one subject at a time. I guess that makes her not a very good reporter the more I think about it. She started the investigation years ago, but hasn’t stayed on it. She prides herself on being reporter who protects the disadvantaged, but has dropped the ball on the biggest story around. I get the MDHS story, and feel that is certainly worthy of her time, but she could do more than just that.

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2016/03/29/jackson-water-employee-fired-talking-lead-media/82386382/


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.