Staffing gaps, infrastructure  failures, chemical imbalances and water pressure problems in aging pipes are prolonging the return of the flow of safe tap water to as many as 150,000 residents of Jackson, Mississippi on Saturday.

The state’s capital city entered its sixth day since the water plant failed, leaving families struggling to attain reliable drinking water amid sweltering heat.  People are still receiving water bills amid what some have called a ‘catastrophic government failure.’

The city has been under a boil water notice since July 30, with most relying on bottled water being trucked in, distributed or sold.  People have been told to keep their mouths closed while showering and use bottled water to brush their teeth.

Experts say the current crisis has been coming for years, and residents blame city and state’s leaders for ignoring the need for funding and revamping the inner city’s aging water system.

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