JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson leaders announced the first major water leak repair was completed at the Jackson Zoo on October 20, 2025.

“This is what the citizens of Jackson hired us to do. We will meet problems head on and provide solutions. The zoo is just one example of where we are dealing with issues that are long overdue. Spending $7,400 to save a million dollars is a pretty good return in my book,” said Jackson Mayor John Horhn.

Officials said Wicker Construction found a two-inch water line connecting to a six-inch water line. The two-inch line was broken at the connection point, resulting in a leak.

According to JXN Water, once the leak was repaired, meter #21082562 showed a reduction in water flow by 16,000 cu feet per day, equating to 120,000 gallons per day, which equals 44 million gallons per year, totaling about $900,000.

“When we cut off the water source that was keeping the chimpanzee moat full, we were told by JXN Water that our water usage was reduced by around 18,000 gallons per day, 6.5 million gallons per year, about $80,000 per year. Between shutting off the chimpanzee moat and fixing this leak, it appears we have instantly saved the city $980,000 per year. And we have several more leaks we are fixing,” said Steve Hutton, with Parks and Recreation.

According to officials, Wicker Construction has now moved to the parking lot area in order to repair two leaks.

“This repair will be a little more time consuming and involved as it requires the removal and replacement of asphalt. There are three additional leaks near the two parking lot leaks that will also be addressed. Afterward, Wicker will move to the Rhino exhibit and begin repair of a significant valve leak,” said Pieter Teeuwissen, chief administrative officer for the City of Jackson.