For Immediate Release:
September 1, 2022
(Jackson, Miss.) – The O.B. Curtis Water Plant made significant gains overnight and into this morning. There are some challenges remaining to navigate over the next few days, but the outlook for today is currently continued progress.
Over half of the tanks on the surface system have begun filling back up. Others will make gains as we progress. Many areas throughout Jackson now have some pressure. Areas closer to the plant are experiencing almost normal pressure. Areas further from the plant and at higher elevations are still experiencing low to no pressure. This pressure will improve as the tank levels increase.
The total plant output has increased to 78 PSI. The goal on the surface system is 87 PSI.
There are still challenges to navigate as the intake water source changes chemistry again. Operator schedules have been adjusted to increase coordination between shifts.
We have also been working diligently on the plant assessment and have begun initial projects to increase the stability of the system. This initial work includes a series of repairs and equipment adjustments on site. We have also sourced additional chemicals to have some better ability on site to contend with the changing intake water chemistry.
We have multiple contractors on site doing assessment work today. With the support of our partners at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health, we are also sourcing immediate staffing support including operators and maintenance staff. We have also begun the process of expediting some of the projects that were already being planned. These items each will contribute significantly to the stability of the OB Curtis plant.
The EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have also joined us on site today. The Joint Incident Command team continues to work collaboratively and is in close coordination.