The city of New Orleans is preparing to spend three months dealing with saltwater intrusion on the Mississippi River.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Wednesday that it will be about three weeks to a month before they have to deal with it, and preparations are underway.
"Right now it's really no need to panic. Our water is safe," Cantrell said.
"The public needs to know that all layers and levels of government are focusing on this, leaning in on it, and we're moving in the right direction," she said.
The mayor said President Biden's declaration of a state of emergency will help move the process along.
"That unlocks the necessary resources for the city, our region, and our state to be more proactive," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, "in regards to viable solutions that have been identified and that we will continue to move forward."
That includes building a pipeline so that the Sewerage and Water Board's treatment plant on Carrollton Ave. can draw water from as far upriver as Kenner. The Sewerage and Water Board is already in talks with engineers and the Jefferson Parish water system on its construction.