Unraveling Jackson's Water Crisis: A Study of Jackson, Mississippi vs. Flint, Michigan
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Harrington, Madelyn
Date Issued
March 28, 2025
Abstract
The ongoing water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, exemplifies the severe water quality challenges millions of Americans face due to crumbling infrastructure, systemic neglect, and
environmental injustices. Jackson's predominantly Black population has grappled with a "slow-moving disaster" of repeated boil advisories, water shortages, and contaminated water for
decades, rooted in long-standing racial inequities and chronic underinvestment. This paper examines the root causes through a comprehensive case study analysis of historical events,
demographic shifts, policies, and socioeconomic factors that contributed to the crisis. It conducts a comparative analysis with Flint, Michigan, which faced similar challenges, shedding light on effective strategies and pitfalls. The paper synthesizes policy guidance from experts on water equity and justice issues to inform an integrated framework tailored to Jackson's circumstances. The culminating case study report diagnoses the root causes and provides evidence-based policy recommendations encompassing robust infrastructure investment, equitable governance mechanisms, community engagement, and measures to combat environmental racism. By examining this case through a multifaceted lens, the research contributes to discourses on urban water equity, environmental justice, and the urgent need to uphold the human right to clean, safe, and affordable water for all communities.
Major
Environmental Science and Sustainability
First Reader(s)
Bethurem, Matt
Other Reader(s)
Byrnes, Delia
Department
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Type of Publication
Senior Project Paper
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Harrington_SeniorProjectESS_2025.pdf
Size
3.48 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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