State Program Deficiencies and Inadequate EPA Oversight of State Enforcement Contributed to the Drinking Water Crisis in Jackson, Mississippi

Why We Did This Report

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General conducted this evaluation to examine the EPA’s response and oversight related to drinking water contamination in Jackson, Mississippi. Specifically, our objective was to determine the circumstances of, and the EPA’s response to, noncompliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act at the City of Jackson’s community water system.

Summary of Findings

The Mississippi State Department of Health, or MSDH, did not consistently enforce the Safe Drinking Water Act or provide adequate oversight for the Jackson public water system. The MSDH does not have implementation procedures for its compliance and enforcement program. Consequently, the MSDH did not take formal enforcement actions to compel Jackson to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA was unaware of the extent of issues at Jackson until it conducted an on-site inspection of the system in February 2020. The findings of the inspection prompted the EPA to use its enforcement authorities. The EPA may have taken action sooner had the MSDH conveyed information timely and accurately.

A change was made to this report on September 13, 2024. Please see the Errata Sheet (final page) in the report document for details.