R’land water receives perfect score

Ridgeland drinking water received top scores from a recent inspection from the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Ridgeland Public Works Director Mike McCollum said that Mississippi has over 1,500 water systems with Ridgeland ranking in the top five percent. MSDH recently issued an overall capacity rating of “5” for the city’s drinking water.

“I want to thank Mayor McGee, the Board of Aldermen, our City Clerk Paula Tierce, and the Public Works team for providing the resources necessary for this worthy accomplishment,” McCollum said.

MSDH is charged with the inspection of the City’s drinking water supply. The Overall Capacity Rating consists of three categories – technical, managerial, and financial – all of which Ridgeland scored a maximum score of 5.  

Mayor Gene F. McGee said that the city seeks to offer excellent services in all they do. He congratulated McCollum and the Public Works Department on the score and complimented the work they do every day to make it possible.

“Obviously we are proud of the Public Works Department and its staff for making our water number one,” McGee said. “They do a great job and are conscious of what needs to be done. It is a blessing that we can provide the city with great drinking water. We seek to be the best we can be in every way we can.”

The city has about 15,130 connections servicing about 24,047 customers based on 2010 census data.

According to the report from the Department of Health, “The system was very well maintained and operating properly at the time of the inspection. It is clear that the City takes pride in their water system. This office appreciates all the work they put forth.”

The inspection was made on Nov. 3. The report was released on Nov. 24.