WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Governor of U.S. state of Mississippi Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency on Tuesday in the wake of a "running water crisis" in Jackson, the state's capital city.
Reeves also activated the Mississippi National Guard to support state assistance to Jackson and surrounding areas, according to a statement from the governor's office.
The flooding of the Pearl River has created problems with treating water at the O.B. Curtis Water Plant, Jackson's government said in a release.
"Adjustments to the water treatment process are being made and has led to a temporary decrease in the production of water for some areas," the release read. "This will remain an issue for the next couple days."
A major pump at the water treatment facility was said to have been damaged. It remains unclear when it will be fixed.
Current pressure issues mean that Jackson and its surrounding areas which have approximately 180,000 residents are unable to produce enough water to flush toilets, fight fires, and meet other critical needs, officials said.
Jackson continues to be under a boil water notice while cases of bottled water are being distributed to residents in need.
"DO NOT DRINK tap water or make ice from it. Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not give tap water to pets," the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency tweeted on Tuesday. "Cook with bottled or boiled water. Wash dishes and produce with boiled or disinfected water."
