Mississippi Legislature Creates Jackson Water Authority

Bill heads to governor's desk with limited Democratic support

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A nostalgic, cinematic painting depicting an old, rusted water tower set against a backdrop of dilapidated industrial buildings, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the challenges facing Jackson's water system.The creation of a new water authority highlights the ongoing challenges facing Jackson's aging and neglected water infrastructure.Jackson Today

The Mississippi Legislature has passed a bill to create a nine-member Jackson Water Authority to oversee the capital city's water and sewer system. The measure, which now goes to Governor Tate Reeves, was approved with scant support from Democrats. The new authority will have members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, Jackson mayor, and mayors of nearby cities.

Why it matters

Jackson's water system has been under federal receivership since 2022 due to longstanding infrastructure issues and management problems. The creation of the new water authority is an attempt by the state to address the city's water crisis, though some Democrats argue the city should have more control over the system.

The details

The Jackson Water Authority Act, or HB 1677, passed both the state House and Senate with limited Democratic support. The final version of the bill gives the Jackson mayor the ability to appoint a third of the board members, while the governor, lieutenant governor, and mayors of nearby cities will also have appointees. An earlier version gave the state more control over the board. The bill also requires the authority to conduct independent rate studies every two years and create a process for customers to dispute their bills.

  • The bill passed the state House on March 30, 2026.
  • The bill passed the state Senate on March 30, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to Governor Tate Reeves' desk for signature or veto.

The players

Governor Tate Reeves

The Republican governor of Mississippi who will decide whether to sign or veto the Jackson Water Authority Act.

John Horhn

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, who will appoint a third of the members to the new water authority board.

Hillman Frazier

A Democratic state senator representing the Jackson area who voted against the bill, arguing the city should have more control over the water system.

Joel Carter

The Republican chairman of the state Senate Energy Committee, who said 'We are not a third-world country. Everyone deserves clean drinking water' in reference to Jackson's water issues.

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What they’re saying

“'They have the assets,' he said of the city's water system, adding that the water is safe to drink.”

— Hillman Frazier, State Senator

“'We are not a third-world country. Everyone deserves clean drinking water,'”

— Joel Carter, State Senator, Chairman of Senate Energy Committee

“'We are committed to working through the process to achieve a final measure that the City of Jackson can live with, and that is mutually beneficial to everyone,'”

— John Horhn, Mayor of Jackson

What’s next

Governor Tate Reeves now has the option to sign the Jackson Water Authority Act into law, veto it, or let it become law without his signature.

The takeaway

The creation of the Jackson Water Authority represents an attempt by the state to address the capital city's longstanding water infrastructure and management issues, though some local leaders argue the city should have more control over the system. The bill's passage with limited Democratic support highlights the political tensions surrounding the water crisis.