JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with JXN Water said repeat samples were taken from the Jackson water system after the state lab reported E. coli was present in two samples.

This comes after the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) issued state imposed boil water alerts for Jackson and Flowood on Thursday, January 11 due to E. coli.

According to JXN Water, the six required repeat samples were taken and delivered to the state laboratory on January 11. They said officials at the state laboratory notified JXN Water on Friday, January 12 that all six samples were negative, meaning no E. coli was present.

At a Thursday news conference, Ted Henifin, the Interim Third-Party Manager of JXN Water, said state officials refused to validate the lab results before issuing the boil water notice.

“Confirmation is an integral part of the process as defined in the EPA Total Coliform Rule to ensure there were no sampling or analysis errors before taking action that can needlessly scare consumers and create significant impact to water related businesses in the service area,” said Henifin. “I still do not understand why the Mississippi Department of Health issued the city-wide boil water notice before confirming the initial results. The damage to confidence in our water system and economic impact to our area businesses is enormous.”

JXN Water officials said they will continue to conduct the sampling of all 120 sample locations Friday and Saturday to meet the MSDH requirement of obtaining clear samples from all sample locations on two consecutive days.

According to MSDH’s website, the boil water notice for the City of Jackson was lifted on Friday, January 12. The City of Flowood remains under state imposed boil water notice.

MSDH officials said in spite of the allegations made by JXN Water, they’re standing behind the initial test results that indicated the presence of E. coli in Jackson’s surface water. Upon review, all evidence supports that these test results were true positives.

Since 2003, MSDH officials said there have been 29 instances of E. coli detected in the City of Jackson’s water system. During the same time period, the City of Flowood has had three instances of E. coli in their water system. 

“Clean drinking water and its availability to the public are fundamental to protecting the health, well-being and safety of everyone, with no exception,” said State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney. 

Officials with the agency said they’re happy to review their current rules and regulations. MSDH will also invite public comment to ensure the impacts to families, communities and businesses are considered. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.