POPLARVILLE — Poplarville is working to replace its aging water infrastructure, but the upgrades are causing unexpected problems, including frequent water line breaks and boil water notices. Additionally, city officials said rising costs and the strain on old pipes are making the process even harder.

Upgrading the system, one break at a time

The city of Poplarville is replacing outdated water meters with advanced electronic models, according to the Poplarville Democrat. The goal is to improve accuracy, reduce billing errors and help residents track their water use in real time.

The new meters can detect leaks quickly, provide remote usage monitoring and help the city reduce manual meter readings. Officials said they expect the project to improve billing accuracy and water conservation efforts.

“Replacing these outdated meters is necessary in modernizing our infrastructure,” Mayor Louise Smith told the Democrat at the time of the announcement in October 2024. “The benefits include more precise billing, enhanced water conservation and a system that aligns with our city’s long-term plans.”

The project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and its Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program. The city allocated $500,000 of its ARPA funds and MDEQ matched the amount two-to-one, bringing in $1 million. These funds had to be obligated to projects by Dec. 31 of last year.

The first meters were installed about eight months ago, according to Smith. The project will continue in phases, with residents receiving advance notice before installation. Work crews will be clearly identified, and the city will inform customers of temporary service interruptions.

The cost of fixing an old system

While Poplarville upgrades its water system, officials said replacing old pipes is expensive. Many of the city’s water lines are decades old. Installing new meters increases water pressure, which has led to unexpected pipe breaks.

“We have all these old, dilapidated pipes,” Smith said. “When you start installing new water meters on these pipes, it puts a lot of pressure on them, and so there was a lot of pressure, and the water was off.”

One major break happened in late February at DSC Dredge, a global company whose largest location facility is based in Poplarville. Contractors accidentally broke a pipe while installing a new meter. Water service was shut off for much of the city including businesses along Highway 53.

While city leaders work to get water samples tested quickly, using locally owned companies who can provide results within 24-48 hours, Smith acknowledged the impact it creates on businesses.

“McDonald’s … they were out of water for a while; they were not able to use their drink machines,” Smith said. “They were just serving the food – they were not serving the drinks – you can’t use the water until the samples come back clean.”

Community reactions

RHCJC News spoke to nearly a dozen Poplarville residents, and while no one wanted to comment, several shared support for the city’s progress.

Residents acknowledged the short-term disruptions but believe these improvements will help in the long run. Some expressed concerns about water discoloration and pressure changes. Others said they appreciate the city’s efforts to improve water quality and service, both for those who live within city limits and for those who come to town to eat and shop.

City officials urge residents to stay updated on boil water notices and follow instructions during the project. They also remind the public that temporary service issues are part of the process.

Is Poplarville’s water safe?

Water safety concerns are rising as repairs continue. While Mississippi State Department of Health annual reports from 2022 and 2023 show no contamination violations, ongoing work has raised new issues.

Another concern in older cities is the presence of lead in buildings outside the water supply. In Poplarville, Smith said her own home tested positive for lead during routine water sampling.

“It did come back that my water has lead in it,” Smith said. “But I have an older home with galvanized lead pipes. I’ve had some replaced but not all of them.”

According to the state Health Department, lead exposure is especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children. The main source of lead in drinking water comes from older plumbing and service lines, not the water supply itself.

The MSDH Consumer Confidence Report advises residents to take these precautions:

— Run tap water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking if the water has been sitting.

— Test home water for lead if concerned. The Mississippi State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory offers testing. Call 601-576-7582 for more information.

— Learn more about lead exposure and drinking water safety at www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Smith explained the city is responsible for pipes up to the meter. Any plumbing problems beyond that point fall on homeowners. However, city crews have helped in some cases.

“We’re not supposed to go on the homeowner side,” Smith said. “But if we cause it to burst … like with the washing machine (that became clogged with sediment) and like with the construction crew (at DSC Dredge), if they (city crews) can help, I think they do.”

What’s next?

The 2024 state Health Department water report, expected in spring or summer 2025, will provide updated water quality data and address new concerns.

Meanwhile, Poplarville is running out of ARPA funds and plans to apply for a state loan to continue the project. The city estimates it still needs to install 500 to 600 more meters and replace lead service lines.

Smith also anticipates even bigger projects ahead, particularly in downtown Poplarville, where some of the city’s oldest water lines run beneath Main Street.

“We have a lot in downtown because there is a lot of older buildings down there, and some of our oldest water lines are actually under Main Street. So, you know, that’s a real issue for us, because if one of those breaks, we’ve got to dig up the whole street to fix the water line,” Smith said.

While plans to tackle downtown infrastructure loom ahead, city leaders said they stay resolute in moving forward.

“We just have to continue, you know, to look for other grants and other areas, partnerships where we can find funds,” she added.

Despite pushback from some residents over brown water, sediment and service interruptions, Smith urged patience.

“We have to flush the pipes, and it takes time,” she said. “We sample the water to make sure it’s safe, but this is a process. Replacing these pipes is about providing safe water for everyone.”