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.

According to the City of Jackson, the Jackson Fire and Rescue teamed up with the SEMO Food Bank to offer the free water.
While supplies last, one case of bottled water per household is available for pickup at Fire Station #1, located at 525 S. Hope Street.
The city asks that you bring a photo ID or utility bill to show your proof of address at the time of pickup.
They currently have 144 cases, with 24 bottles in each case, to give away on a first-come, first-serve basis and only those customers located in the boil water order area are eligible to receive a free case.
According to the Water Distribution District, the water can’t be tested until Sept. 4 and the boil water order is in effect until Wednesday, Sept. 5.
The City of Jackson issued a mandatory boil water order for the east side of Jackson, effective immediately, and continuing for at least the next 48 hours.
According to the City, at least two water main breaks were reported on Monday morning.
While city crews are excavating, removing, inspecting and replacing the water mains, the resulting loss of water pressure required a mandatory order.
The boil water order started immediately and expires at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, unless otherwise notified.

The advisory affects about 5 connections on the drinking water system.
Leaders say the advisory is is due to a loss in water pressure from a water main break.
Customers in this area are asked to boil their water from at least one minute before using.
We will let you know as soon as this advisory is lifted.