Investigation into Social Media Rumors Impacting Jackson’s Water Crisis

Jackson, Mississippi, faced a water outage crisis as a cold snap hit, affecting nearly a quarter of the city’s 52,000 water customers. Law enforcement agencies are investigating if social media rumors about a potential water shutdown led residents to fill bathtubs rapidly, causing a sudden demand spike and subsequent water pressure drop. JXN Water, the private corporation running Jackson’s water system under federal order, pointed to a ‘deliberate misinformation campaign’ as a partial cause.

A specific social media post urging Jackson residents to store water was identified, but its origin remains untraced. The post read, ‘Just got word they are about to shut off water in Jackson. If you’re in Jackson, fill up your tubs and jugs! Get prepared for not having water.’ This misinformation coincided with Jackson’s vulnerability to infrastructure strain due to freezing temperatures.

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, overseeing federal intervention in improving Jackson’s water system, authorized releasing information about the investigation. Ameerah Palacios, a JXN Water spokesperson, highlighted Wingate’s involvement and the participation of multiple law enforcement agencies.

Jackson’s water woes are not new, with past cold snaps causing similar issues. Maintenance efforts have restored water to most customers, but the incident raises questions about the impact of social media on public infrastructure and crisis response.

Bob Hickingbottom, a local political figure, acknowledged sharing the water storage post on his Facebook page, believing it was helpful information, though he initially denied posting it. This water service disruption follows a recent health advisory related to E. coli contamination in Jackson’s water supply, which was quickly lifted, adding to the ongoing challenges faced by the city’s water system management.