Sewerage & Water Board Of New Orleans Community & Intergovernmental Relations Department 625 St. Joseph Street, Room B-47 New Orleans, Louisiana 70165 504-585-2175
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2005 Contact: Robert Jackson (504)451-0566 Brenda Thornton (504)495-9734
Drinking Water Update Boil Water Advisory Lifted In Portions Of East Bank New Orleans

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans issues the following statement:

The State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, has lifted the Boil Water Advisory to major portions of the East Bank of New Orleans. All of East Bank New Orleans west of the Industrial Canal no longer has to treat its tap water for safety. This action certifies that the tap water in the stated area is potable and able to be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, showering and washing hands. The areas where the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted includes all of the French Quarter, Bywater, CBD, Warehouse, Garden District, Uptown, Carrollton, Lakeview, Gentilly and Mid-City areas.

The Boil Water Advisory remains in affect affect for those of the City of New Orleans east of the Industrial Canal, which includes, 1) that section of New Orleans termed the Lower Ninth Ward and, 2) that section of New Orleans termed New Orleans East. The areas to be still covered under the boil water advisory are also described as that portion of zip code 70117 east of the Industrial Canal, and that portion of zip code 70126 east of the Industrial Canal, and zip codes 70127, 70128 and 70129 in their entirety.

The Sewerage and Water Board asks that all returning citizens run all hot and cold water taps for 10 to 15 minutes to flush the plumbing of their homes and businesses. People may find that they can detect a slight bleach odor from the chlorine in the water. Taps should be left to run continuously. We remind residents to let icemakers cycle several times before using the ice.

The personnel of the Board and contracted companies continue to work throughout the city locating and repairing leaks. It is hoped that the remaining areas will be back in service as soon as possible.