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5th Circuit Dismisses Mississippi Lawsuit Over Lead Water

9/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Mississippi residents' lawsuit over lead-contaminated water.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt ruled the 14th Amendment does not guarantee a right to clean water or truthful health information.
Mississippi State Health Department testing from 2010-2013 showed rising lead levels in Jackson’s water.
Engelhardt urged residents to seek redress through elections and noted states like California protect safe water.

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Story summary

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Mississippi residents' lawsuit over lead-contaminated water.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt ruled the 14th Amendment does not guarantee a right to clean water or truthful health information.
Mississippi State Health Department testing from 2010-2013 showed rising lead levels in Jackson’s water.
Engelhardt urged residents to seek redress through elections and noted states like California protect safe water.