Experts Reveal What’s Behind ‘Skip The Game’ in Jackson, MS: A Water Crisis Explainer

The phrase “Skip The Game” became a stark reality for Jackson, Mississippi residents in the fall of 2022, highlighting a deep-seated water crisis that has plagued the city for decades. But what exactly is "Skip The Game," and why has it become synonymous with Jackson's struggles? This explainer breaks down the crisis, its history, current developments, and potential future.

What is "Skip The Game?"

"Skip The Game" refers to the widespread practice of avoiding using tap water in Jackson, MS, for drinking, cooking, or even bathing due to consistent contamination and infrastructure failures. This isn't a new phenomenon; residents have been relying on bottled water and boil water advisories for years. However, the crisis reached a boiling point in late August 2022 when the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, the city's main water facility, failed, leaving most of Jackson without running water. This event essentially forced the entire city to "skip the game" of relying on their municipal water supply.

Who is Affected?

The crisis disproportionately affects Jackson's predominantly Black population, with over 80% of residents identifying as African American. This makes the water crisis a stark example of environmental injustice, where marginalized communities bear the brunt of environmental hazards and infrastructure failures. Beyond residents, the crisis impacts businesses, schools, hospitals, and the overall economic stability of the city.

When Did This Start, and What's the History?

The roots of Jackson's water crisis are deeply embedded in decades of neglect, underinvestment, and systemic racism.

  • Historical Context: The city's aging infrastructure, dating back to the early 20th century, has been consistently underfunded. A shrinking tax base, fueled by white flight to the suburbs in the latter half of the 20th century and a lack of investment in the city, exacerbated the problem. This suburbanization drained resources from Jackson, leaving it unable to adequately maintain its infrastructure.

  • Warning Signs: The city has faced numerous water-related issues for years. Boil water advisories became commonplace, and residents frequently reported discolored and foul-smelling water. In 2020, the EPA issued an emergency order citing "imminent and substantial endangerment" to public health due to lead and other contaminants in the water supply.

  • The 2022 Crisis: In late August 2022, heavy rainfall and flooding overwhelmed the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, leading to a complete system failure. Pumps broke down, and the plant struggled to treat the water, leaving residents without reliable access to clean water. This event triggered a national outcry and highlighted the severity of the long-standing issues.

    • Where is This Happening?

    The crisis is centered in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi, located in Hinds County. However, the impact extends beyond the city limits, affecting surrounding communities that rely on Jackson's water supply. The focus has been on the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant, located on the Pearl River, as the primary source of the crisis.

    Why Did This Happen?

    Multiple factors contributed to the "Skip The Game" reality in Jackson:

  • Aging Infrastructure: The city's water infrastructure is outdated and prone to breakdowns. Parts are difficult to find, and repairs are often delayed due to funding constraints.

  • Underfunding: Decades of underinvestment in the water system have left it vulnerable to failures. The city has struggled to secure adequate funding for repairs and upgrades.

  • Staffing Shortages: The O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant has faced staffing shortages, making it difficult to maintain operations and respond to emergencies.

  • Flooding and Climate Change: Climate change is exacerbating the problem, with more frequent and intense rainfall events overwhelming the city's infrastructure.

  • Political Disputes: A history of political disputes between city and state officials has hampered efforts to address the crisis effectively. Differences in opinion on how to fund and manage the water system have created obstacles to progress.

    • Current Developments:

  • Federal Intervention: Following the 2022 crisis, the federal government declared a state of emergency and allocated funds for repairs and upgrades. The EPA has been actively involved in overseeing the city's water system.

  • Third-Party Management: In late 2022, a federal court appointed a third-party manager to oversee the city's water system. This was a significant step toward addressing the long-standing management issues.

  • Infrastructure Repairs: Efforts are underway to repair and upgrade the O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Plant and other critical infrastructure components. This includes replacing pumps, fixing leaks, and improving water treatment processes.

  • Water Quality Improvements: Water quality has improved since the 2022 crisis, and boil water advisories have become less frequent. However, residents remain skeptical and continue to rely on bottled water.

  • Legal Battles: The city of Jackson is engaged in ongoing legal battles with the state of Mississippi over control of the water system. This dispute could impact the long-term management and funding of the system.

    • Likely Next Steps:

  • Continued Infrastructure Investments: Significant investments are needed to fully modernize Jackson's water infrastructure. This includes replacing aging pipes, upgrading treatment plants, and implementing better monitoring systems.

  • Long-Term Funding Solutions: Securing long-term funding for the water system is crucial. This could involve a combination of federal, state, and local funding sources.

  • Improved Management and Oversight: Effective management and oversight are essential to ensure the water system operates efficiently and reliably. This includes hiring qualified personnel, implementing robust maintenance programs, and establishing clear lines of accountability.

  • Addressing Environmental Justice Concerns: Addressing the environmental justice concerns associated with the water crisis is critical. This includes ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable water, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.

  • Building Public Trust: Rebuilding public trust in the water system is essential. This requires transparency, communication, and a commitment to providing safe and reliable water to all residents.

The “Skip The Game” situation in Jackson, MS, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in infrastructure and addressing environmental justice concerns. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. The future of Jackson's water system depends on sustained commitment, collaboration, and a focus on ensuring safe and reliable water for all residents.