City of Jackson Public Works Director Robert Miller discusses a boil water advisory that affects 60,000 connections and has led to restaurants closing for the day.
Harold Gater A Thursday morning water main leak that resulted in a massive crater in north Jackson has been repaired and surrounding residents again have access to water.
The cause of the leak is still under investigation, Public Works Director Robert Miller said.
The leak caused a boil water notice for about 60,000 residents and left surrounding residents without water for about four days.
The notice has been lifted for most residents although about a thousand homes in the surrounding area are still under a boil water notice, Miller said on Monday.
Normally, the concrete pipes can last up to 100 years, he said.
“We’re standing here in front of a 90-degree bend of pre-stressed concrete pipe and what you see here are two corrosion holes one slightly bigger than the size of my fist, the other slightly larger,” Miller said in front of the excavation site.
Workers with Hemphill Construction replaced the concrete main with a Ductell iron pipe.
"The concrete thrust block must cure, the new pipe must be flushed and refilled, and the water in the new pipe must be tested as safe before opening the new pipe for flow into the system.
Judy Johnson, who has lived in the neighborhood close to 30 years, said the leak is the worst she’s seen, having lived through several infrastructure crises in Jackson.