In Jackson, Mississippi, water service is being turned off at certain apartment complexes due to unpaid bills, as announced by JXN Water on Wednesday. The company, overseen by administrator Ted Henefin appointed by a federal judge in 2022, noted advancements in water reliability for the city’s approximately 144,000 residents. However, to sustain improvements, all customers are required to fulfill their payment obligations, according to the company.

Around 25% of Jackson residents live in poverty, and the city has faced long-term challenges, such as water quality issues and understaffing at water treatment facilities. In August and September 2022, the water system endured a near-collapse, leaving many without essential water services. Henefin emphasized that financial troubles within the system are worsened by irregular billing practices and outstanding debts.

JXN Water stated that prior to disconnecting service, multiple attempts were made to notify apartment management companies of imminent cutoffs. The shutoffs coincided with temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in central Mississippi. While recognizing the hardship placed on residents not directly responsible for overdue payments, JXN Water advised affected individuals to engage with their property managers promptly for updates on service restoration.

Reports from WAPT-TV revealed that Gardenside Apartments experienced a water cutoff on Tuesday, although residents’ rent should encompass water provision. The complex was found to owe over $148,000 in outstanding water bills dating back to 2017. Efforts to reach the management of Gardenside Apartments for comment were unsuccessful as the voicemail box was full.

Audwin Reese, a resident and military veteran at Gardenside Apartments, mentioned concerns for neighbors, including a 93-year-old woman, who were left without running water due to the service interruption. Residents affected by the water shutoffs are urged to communicate with management to address the situation and seek solutions promptly.