The City of Hattiesburg has received another perfect 5 out of 5 score on its annual drinking water report, marking the fifth consecutive perfect score for the city since 2019 and the sixth perfect technical score since 2018.
That announcement was made by Mayor Toby Barker and Water and Sewer director Alan Howe, along with water department staff, during a July 6 news conference at Water Plant No. 2 on James Street in Hattiesburg. The water report, which is conducted by the Mississippi State Department of Health, looks at operations across three categories: technical, managerial and financial.
“One critical role that a local municipal government fills is ensuring the quality of the drinking water supply of the community,” Barker said. “A necessity equal to public safety, having sufficient, clean drinking water can accelerate economic growth and sustain quality of life in our neighborhoods.
“Not having those things can bring just the opposite effect.”
In June 2017, the city scored 4 out of 5, as points were docked from the score because of high iron levels. The next year, a 4 out of 7 score was awarded because of a lack of audits on the city’s part.
In June 2019, the city received a perfect 5 out of 5 score. For 2020, no reports were made because of the COVID-19 pandemic; all agencies kept the same score from the prior year.
In May 2021, the city was again awarded with a perfect 5 out of 5 before earning that same result in June 2022 and again this year.
The department of health’s 2023 inspection took place between May 17 and June 7, and the result were sent to city officials last weekend.
“At the time of inspection, the system appeared to be operating properly and was well-maintained,” the report stated, in part. “System officials should be commended for their continuous improvements made to the infrastructure and plant improvements.”
The city operates three water plants: Water Plant No. 1 on Mississippi 42, Water Plant No. 2 on James Street and Water Plant No. 3 on Weathersby Road. In 2022, the city’s administration identified Water Plant No. 1 as needing the most prevalent upgrades for continued excellence.
Those improvements, at a total of $1.3 million, are currently underway. They include:
- A new rapid mix tank;
- A modernized lime feeder that will allow the use of a powder lime that can be dropped into the new rapid mix tank without the need to be pumped, which will avoid clogging and other malfunctions;
- Filter rehabilitation;
- New access stairs for employee safety; and
- A chlorine vent fan for additional safety.
The upgrades, which are expected to be completed by early 2024, are funded through a revolving loan by the department of health. Through that program, the city will be able to obtain up to 35 percent back in loan forgiveness, making a portion of the project funded by the state and federal government.
“(A perfect score) is a big deal to us, and a big deal to our employees,” Howe said. “We’re happy with all the employees and happy we can move forward with our 5 (score), and we hope we can get it every year.”
To view the 2022 Water Supply Report, visit https://shorturl.at/jCNW6.
