NATCHEZ, Miss. – Testing of Natchez water should be completed Thursday afternoon to determine if it’s safe to drink and the city’s self-imposed boil-water notice can be lifted.
The Mississippi State Department of Health is conducting the tests after the city water treatment plant’s pumps were crippled by a lightning strike Monday morning – temporarily diminishing water flow for many Natchez residents.
“Samples came into the lab this morning. Results should be available early tomorrow afternoon,” MSDH spokesman Andrea Dilworth said Wednesday.
While Natchez’ water pressure was quickly revived Monday, the MSDH must conduct tests to ensure the water is safe to drink, brush teeth, wash dishes, clean fruit and vegetables without first boiling.
Individual water systems issue “precautionary” boil-water alerts when water pressure is lost, according to information posted on the MSDH’s website. Water systems are responsible for notifying their customers directly using whatever means necessary when such a self-imposed boil-water alert is issued.
When water testing by the MSDH Public Health Laboratory indicates problems related to water quality, MSDH immediately sends a “state-issued” boil-water alert to the public. The local water system is again responsible for notifying customers directly.
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