S&WB lifts its boil water advisory

From the Sewerage & Water Board

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 New Orleans after bacteriological tests confirmed that water in the area was safe to drink and could be used for personal needs. Water samples from across the area have tested negative for contamination. 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.

Boil water advisory issued for most of Uptown

The Sewerage & Water Board issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the area bounded by South Carrollton Avenue, the Mississippi River and the Pontchartrain Expressway following a loss of Entergy power at the Carrollton Water Plant, resulting in low water pressure. The above map of the affected area can be found here. It was triggered by the massive power outage after the tornado touched down in the Carrollton area early Wednesday (May 12), reports say. Residents in the affected area are advised to use bottled or boiled tap water to drink, cook, clean food or brush teeth until further notice. Residents with compromised immune systems should also use safe water to wash hands, shower or bathe.

Sewerage & Water Board repairing water valve in Carrollton area

From the Sewerage & Water Board

Starting at 8 a.m. today (March 21), Sewerage & Water Board crews will repair a broken water valve on South Carrollton Avenue and Zimpel Street in the Carrollton neighborhood. This work is being done in order to avoid a future unexpected loss of service in this area. This valve replacement will also increase the redundancy needed to protect the distribution system. During this repair, some residents in the Carrollton neighborhood will likely experience low to no water pressure. All water pressure is expected to be restored before the end of day.

S&WB planning water-main repairs in Carrrollton area on Saturday

Sewerage & Water Board crews will repair a broken water valve on South Carrollton Avenue and Zimpel Street in the Carrollton neighborhood. Repairs will begin Saturday (March 7) at 8 a.m.

Repairs will continue through Sunday. The S&WB said it is making the repairs on a weekend to avoid disrupting service to nearby schools while classes are in session. During this repair, some residents in the Carrollton neighborhood will likely experience low to no water pressure. Residents are encouraged to have bottled water available and make other preparations.

Uptown homeowners frustrated over skyrocketing S&WB bills


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.

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

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.