Jackson, MS–The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has lifted the expanded water contact advisory for a portion of the Pearl River following a significant sewer line break reported earlier this month by JXN Water.
The expanded advisory, issued June 5, 2025, extended from the Swinging Bridge near Byram to the Na Sandifer Memorial Highway Bridge north of Monticello. MDEQ issued the advisory based on elevated bacteria levels observed in initial sampling after the sewer line break. On June 12, 2025, JXN Water installed corrective measures that stopped the discharge of untreated sewage.
Recent samples of the Pearl River, within the area of the extended advisory, indicate the impact of the untreated sewage has subsided and sample results have returned to pre-incident levels. As a result, the expanded advisory is lifted. However, the longstanding water contact advisory for the section of the Pearl River from Hanging Moss Creek to the Byram Swinging Bridge remains in effect. This advisory is not related to the recent sewer break but remains in place due to the ongoing challenges- but improving conditions- with sewer infrastructure in the Jackson metro area.
MDEQ continues to recommend avoiding water contact activities—such as swimming, wading, and fishing—in the area where the longstanding advisory remains in place.
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MDEQ is responsible for protecting the state’s air, land, and water. Our mission is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of present and future generations of Mississippians by conserving and improving our environment and fostering wise economic growth through focused research and responsible regulation.
News Contact:
Jan Schaefer, APR/ Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
jschaefer@mdeq.ms.gov
601-961-5277
