On a warm spring day, the only relief can be shade and a cold glass of water.

"My doctor told me to drink more water, anyway, so I'm drinking it," said Kipling Water Association customer, Irene Rush.

Quality water is something many people simply expect to have, no matter where they live. But for many local water associations, the cost of keeping the systems updated can be high.

Thanks to a large bundle of loans and grants from the USDA, the Kipling Water Association in Kemper County will be making needed improvements to its 35-year-old system.

"We have small water systems throughout the state, and without them they would dry up," said George Irvin, USDA state director.

One of the issues the group has been facing is lagging water pressure. In some areas, the Mississippi Department of Health isn't allowing new customers to be added to the aging lines because the pressure isn't strong enough.

A check for just over $2.6 million will remedy that, as well as pay for other improvements.

One Kipling water tower was built in 1928 and has been in use ever since. Board members say it is time this tower gets phased out.

Kipling plans to build a 300,000 gallon water tower and purchase several generators. Officials say the more water and back-up power they have on hand, the better.

"Katrina taught us a lesson so we will have generators at each well area," said Kipling board president, Art Nestor.

Kipling's grant money is part of $164 million awarded to 48 communities in 30 states. However, of the other four projects awarded in Mississippi, Kipling by far received the most funds.