Jackson Seeks Majority Control Over Water System

House approves bill to give 13-member board control of city's water infrastructure

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Jackson, Mississippi is seeking to have majority control over its water system in the future. The state House of Representatives has approved a bill that would give a 13-member board, including the mayors of Jackson, Ridgeland, and Byram, as well as the governor and lieutenant governor, control of the water system after the current federal oversight period ends. Jackson city council members are advocating for at least 5 seats on the board, but some question whether the city should be in control at all given past water system issues.

Why it matters

Jackson's water system has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a major crisis in 2021 that left much of the city without clean drinking water for weeks. The proposed 13-member board structure is an attempt to address the mistrust in how the local government has managed the water system, but some council members feel the city should have more control.

The details

The bill, which has moved to the state Senate after passing the House, would establish the Metro Jackson Water Authority Act to manage the water system after the current federal oversight period ends. City council members are advocating for at least 5 seats on the 13-member board, but some question whether the city should control the system at all given past issues with efficiency and affordability.

  • The House of Representatives approved the bill in February 2026.
  • The bill has now moved to the state Senate for consideration.

The players

Brian Grizzell

Jackson City Council President, who expresses concerns about the city's lack of input in the proposed water board structure.

Vernon Hartley

Jackson City Council member, who is in favor of the city having confirmation capability over the majority of the proposed water board.

Ashby Foote

Jackson City Council member, who questions whether the city should be in control of the water system at all if it is not operating efficiently.

Ted Henifin

The current federally appointed interim third-party manager of Jackson's water system.

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What they’re saying

“It feels that we are just under siege, there's an issue with the airport, there's an issue with the water and then whatever else is next.”

— Brian Grizzell, Jackson City Council President (WAPT)

“It would help to actually mitigate some of those feelings if we were actually brought to the table versus seeming like our parents are just going to take over everything and take over our toys.”

— Brian Grizzell, Jackson City Council President (WAPT)

“I'm in favor of the city of Jackson having confirmation capability over majority of the board.”

— Vernon Hartley, Jackson City Council member (WAPT)

“We need to make sure What gets turned back to us from the EPA and DOJ is a fully functioning water system and it functions for the production of the water, it functions for the distribution of the water, and it also functions for the billing of the water that's affordable to citizens of Jackson in a way that works for everybody.”

— Ashby Foote, Jackson City Council member (WAPT)

What’s next

Jackson city council members plan to hold a public hearing on Monday at 10 a.m. to hear from residents before submitting their opinions on the bill to state senators.

The takeaway

The proposed 13-member water board structure reflects the ongoing challenges and mistrust in how Jackson's water system has been managed. While the city seeks more control, some council members question whether the city should be in charge at all until the system is fully functional and affordable for residents.