city government

Uptown homeowners frustrated over skyrocketing S&WB bills

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Video and story by Madison Mcloughlin, Pack News

Uptown homeowner Mark Heller noticed what he said had to be a mistake in one of his Sewerage & Water Board bills several months ago. What was usually a bill for around $100 was now a bill for $697 for a single month. There was no explanation. “I would expect there to be a small flood somewhere in my yard with a bill that size, but we don’t see any leaks anywhere,” he said. Heller is not alone in his frustration.

court

Sewerage & Water Board liable for damage from SELA construction, judge rules

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Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott ruled that the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board is legally responsible for the substantial damages caused to more than 350 Uptown homes and businesses as a result of construction of the massive SELA drainage project. The court on Monday, Jan. 6, granted the plaintiff’s motion for partial summary judgment, finding the city agency the sole responsible party for claims of inverse condemnation, custodial liability and timber pile-driving claims.

According to plaintiffs’ attorney Michael Whitaker, all that is left now is for each claimant to prove the extent of the damage to their property. The ruling means claimants who provide evidence of damage will have their claims more swiftly decided and judgment entered in their favor. Trial on the next 20 claims is set for Tuesday, Jan.

public safety

Turbine explosion at Carrollton Water Plant injures two; two S&WB turbines are down

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A turbine explosion at the Carrollton Water Plant injured at least two people and shook windows and nerves in the Hollygrove area Saturday afternoon. The New Orleans Emergency Medical Services reported at about 2:30 p.m. that it had transported two people to the University Medical Center with injuries. A third person was reported injured but had refused treatment. At about 3 p.m. the Sewerage & Water Board reported via Twitter: “Situation stable at Carrollton Water Plant. Emergency Response on scene.

public safety

Boil water advisory lifted for university area

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From the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans

The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans, in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, has canceled the precautionary boil water advisory for residents and businesses in the Uptown areas near the universities after bacteriological tests confirmed that water in the area was safe to drink and could be used for personal needs. Customers who have not used their water supply during this precautionary boil water advisory are advised to flush their internal and external plumbing by running water through their system for several minutes. Water samples from across that area have tested negative for contamination. S&WB is committed to providing safe drinking water, and this precautionary boil water advisory was issued out of an abundance of caution to ensure the public’s safety. We thank the impacted residents and businesses for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

public safety

S&WB: Water is restored Uptown, but boil water advisory is still in effect

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The Sewerage & Water Board announced Sunday morning that water service was returned to the Uptown areas affected by the outage. The water main on South Johnson has been repaired and the valves reopened, the utility stated. A boil water advisory is still in effect for two areas of Uptown, shown below. Water quality testing has begun, it announced at about 9 a.m., and could take up to 24 hours. In consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health, the S&WB is still testing water quality samples from the affected areas.

public safety

Boil water advisory issued for university area

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While responding to a water main break near South Johnson and Calhoun streets by closing valves, the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans detected low water pressure. Therefore, this utility issued a precautionary boil water advisory for several blocks Uptown. On Friday night, residents in the area reported they were getting no water at all. After speaking with the S&WB, Councilman Joe Giarrusso reported Saturday morning: “The primary break was isolated late last night. S&WB is still trying to determine extent of problem and when water will be restored.

city government

SELA drainage canals didn’t increase flooding on July 10, report finds

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The intensity of the July 10 rainfall — with as much as 9 inches in three hours — overwhelmed the city’s pumping and drainage system. Streets were inundated, and many became impassable; cars were submerged; homes and businesses flooded; and the tally of damages went far beyond an annoying commute. Among the rumors circulating after the deluge was the claim that the massive Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Program, or SELA, construction project, designed to reduce the flood risk in certain low-lying areas, hindered the drainage capacity in other areas of the city. The S&WB and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are in the final stages of the east bank portion of the federally funded $1.5 billion SELA construction of underground drainage canals. The completed projects are primarily Uptown — in Hollygrove and along Jefferson, Napoleon and Louisiana avenues.

public safety

S&WB lifts boil water advisory

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The precautionary boil water advisory was lifted for the Uptown area just before noon on Tuesday. The emergency situation is over, officials said, and residents can resume the use of tap water. It was the second advisory issued since a 111-year-old water main broke at the corner of Lowerline and Panola streets on Saturday. The first was lifted Monday morning only be reinstated a few hours later. Customers who have not used their water supply during this precautionary boil water advisory are advised to flush their internal and external plumbing by running water through their system for several minutes.

public safety

S&WB issues boil water advisory for Uptown after water main breaks

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The Sewerage & Water Board issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Uptown, from South Carrollton Avenue to the Pontchartrain Expressway and Interstate 10 to the Mississippi River, due to a drop in water pressure. A 48-inch diameter water main broke near the corner of Lowerline and Panola streets, causing water pressure to fall below 20 psi in this area. Don’t consume tap water

Use bottled or boiled water to drink, cook, brush teeth and mix baby formula. Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled or boiled water. Don’t use ice from ice trays or ice makers. Make new ice with bottled or boiled water.

transportation

South Carrollton repaving begins today

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Repaving work on South Carrollton Avenue near Tulane Avenue began today at 7 a.m., the Sewerage & Water Board reports, and is expected to last through Thursday, July 11. The repairs are needed after a water main and valve broke on the corner on June 28. The water-main repairs have been completed. The repaving project is expected to last through Thursday, July 11, pending weather conditions. During repaving, the far left lane will remain open, but residents are advised to expect delays.