After detecting a loss of water pressure in the water distribution system, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has issued a precautionary boil-water advisory for a limited area around the Desire neighborhood.
Out of an abundance of caution, SWBNO issued this advisory for those properties closest to the sites of identified low water pressure readings.
We will continue to monitor water pressure in that vicinity and provide more information as it becomes available. Customers in other areas of the city are not impacted and do not have to consider the precautionary conditions.
It is important to note that the boundaries of the impacted area are approximations. If you experience little or no water pressure and live near the impacted zone, please consider taking extra precautions when using your water.
SWBNO gauges detected low water pressure at the utility’s station on Peoples Avenue Saturday, July 17.
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.
SWBNO, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, issues boil water advisories out of an abundance of caution for areas where water pressure drops below 20 psi.
We agree with the recommendations of LDH that it is prudent to issue these advisories out of an abundance of caution. The concern is that a pressure drop inside a water pipe could allow bacteriological contaminants to enter.