Key Facts

• The fifth circuit court of appeals upheld a lower court’s dismissal of the Jackson residents’ lawsuit.
• Plaintiffs wanted the court to recognize new constitutional rights to clean water and truthful information from officials, but the court found no basis for this.
• The court suggested legal remedies outside the constitution, like suing for harms (tort claims) or voting for new local leaders.
• Officials are working to improve Jackson’s water through regulations and compliance plans, according to the court.
• The court stated that the constitution does not guarantee clean water or require states to provide public services like water and sewage.
• The court acknowledged residents’ suffering but said sympathy cannot change legal rights.
• Jackson has faced long-term water problems, including unsafe drinking water and disrupted access.
• The NAACP filed a complaint in 2022 accusing Mississippi officials of racial discrimination by diverting federal drinking water funds away from Jackson.