The water crisis in neighboring Mississippi has made national headlines. It’s why a retired East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy says she’s going to do her part to help.
“I am blessed to have had a wonderful full career that was helping other people so when I retired, I wanted to continue to help others and bless people however I could,” said Dana Bass.
Bass is no stranger to the Baton Rouge metro area. Every year, she organizes a group of friends and fellow deputies who surprise a random waiter or waitress for Christmas with a very large tip.
“If our next door neighbor needed anything, wouldn’t we help them out? What’s different with our Mississippi neighbors? Anytime we need any help after a disaster, we have so many people who come to our aid including Mississippi. It’s just our turn to return the favor,” said Bass.
It’s why Bass is collecting money to buy cases of water. Her goal is to have all the money by 8am Sunday, Sept. 4th so they can purchase as many cases all the money will buy.
They will buy the cases Sunday and her friends will head to Jackson, MS on Tuesday to deliver the cases.
Anyone wanting to help can donate to Bass’ venmo account. You can scan the below picture or type in her account name —- @Dana-Bass-9
Saturday marks the sixth day since thousands of people have been without clean water in Jackson, MS after a major water plant failed. Officials were met with challenges on Friday like low water pressure and a chemical imbalance, which only slowed the restoration.
According to a news release from the O.B. Curtis Water Plant, as of Saturday, the total plant output increased to 86 pounds per square inch. They need to get to at 87 PSI or better. The goal is to have water restored by Tuesday, Sept. 6th.
Even after the water is restored though, there’s fear it may still not be safe to drink and whether the aging, brittle pipes can handle the pressure.
Earlier in the week on Monday, Mississippi’s governor declared an emergency with Jackson’s water crisis. President Joe Biden also issued a disaster declaration.
The National Guard has been called to help with water distribution. More than 2.8 million bottles of water have been handed out as well as water for toilets or other uses for those who needed it.
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