Jackson MS establishes water telephone line 24/7

The City of Jackson has established a new telephone line for residents to call with questions about their water accounts, city officials said Monday.

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"You can now call 601-500-5200 for any water issue and you will get someone answer that phone 24/7," Federally appointed Water Manager Ted Henifin during a Monday luncheon with media and residents at Hal and Mal's. "We've got a staff of operators standing by for your call. So we want to know about your bill. We've got a water leak report. Want to open an account? Got to get a new meter — 601-500-5200. We'll get you to our staff calls. So that's as of this morning."

Also during a Monday press conference, Jackson city spokeswoman Melissa Faith Payne, standing in for Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, also announced the new telephone number for residents with questions about their water accounts.

Payne noted that the new number is 601-500-5200, and it replaces the 311 number that residents have used previously.

"For any questions surrounding your water service that is the number to call," Payne said. The change follows completion of a new call center by Jxn Water, the federally appointed agency to take over water and sewer operations from the former Jackson Water and Sewer Business Administration office which was previously located at Metrocenter Mall.

Payne said the agency also plans to have payment kiosks and centers conveniently located throughout the city where customers can pay their water bills or apply for service.

"The 311 number will also remain in service for other city related issues," Payne said.