Winter Weather Upends Water Systems Across the Deep South

Dontavious Spann (L) with the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition, and volunteer Preston Alston of Jackson, Miss., help to distribute water to Jackson residents near Northside Drive and Manhattan Road on Dec. 27, 2022. Barbara Gauntt/The Clarion-Ledger via AP

JACKSON, Miss.—A cold snap blanketing the Deep South has upended water systems as local officials struggle to repair widespread leaks and broken pipes, forcing some people to take drastic measures to get by without reliable access to running water.

Breakdowns in infrastructure arose in rapid succession after days of freezing temperatures in areas where extended periods of frigid weather are abnormal.