Pascagoula remains under city-wide boil water notice

The City of Pascagoula continues to prioritize addressing issues caused by this week’s record-breaking, freezing temperatures.

Public Works quickly identified and repaired a handful of leaks in city infrastructure. The majority of leaks, however, occurred in private businesses and households. The combination of both contributed to lower water levels and pressures across the city. The Public Works department is actively working with residents and business owners to resolve these issues.

As of this morning, all City water tanks have returned to normal levels, and water pressures should be restored throughout the city. Two of three tanks have been returned to reverse osmosis water, with the third expected to follow this afternoon. Over the next few days, Public Works will flush the tanks to remove the chlorinated groundwater used to sustain acceptable water levels.

The goal is to collect water samples early next week for testing by a third-party laboratory. This is a minimum 24-hour process. Once the results meet the standards of the MS Dept. of Health, the boil water notice can be lifted.

In the meantime, you may notice a slight discoloration in your water. This is no cause for concern. If you have lived in Pascagoula for more than 20 years, you may remember the water looking this way. The current discoloration is due to the chlorinated groundwater, which has not undergone the reverse osmosis process that makes the water so clear. Pascagoula is one of only two cities on the Coast that utilizes this advanced treatment process.

Reminder: The citywide boil water notice remains in effect until all water levels are restored, samples are tested, and results meet the Mississippi Department of Health’s requirements.