How are New Orleans-area hospitals preparing for possible saltwater intrusion into area drinking water systems?
Like anywhere else, hospitals need drinkable water for patients, staff, and visitors. Jay Britsch, System VP of Facilities for Ochsner Health, says it is also important for climate control, and some patient treatment.
"We also have that for dialyses units as well as our lab systems as well that need purified water," said Britsch.
Britsch says their hospitals are prepared with reverse-osmosis systems, and even have wells on-site at some facilities, should the public water systems become compromised.
"At our main campus there on Jefferson Highway, we have a water well with a filtration system, and that can support our entire hospital, clinic, as well as our central plant that services that facility."
He says they also have wells at the Baptist and Kenner campuses, and are setting up reverse osmosis systems at all facilities in case they're needed.
The US Army Corps of Engineers says the drought worsened saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico into the Mississippi River will impact Belle Chasse and St. Bernard in mid-October, then move to parts of Orleans and Jefferson drinking water intakes later in the month.
USACE
