To: News Media
From: Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
Re:Boil Water Advisory
Contact: Robert Jackson, 269-7978  or
              Brenda Thornton, 269-7819

DRINKING WATER UPDATE

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

LIFTING OF BOIL ADVISORY

Release of Boil Water Advisory for ALGIERS Water

Sewerage and Water Board and State DHH officials are pleased to announce the end of the Boil Advisory which was issued December 12, 2006 for the residents of the Algiers section of Orleans Parish. With the return to normal operations, it is now safe to use the drinking water for all purposes including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, bathing and showering, preparing or rinsing food.

A major water main break Tuesday evening in the Algiers section of New Orleans brought the water pressure to low levels over a large area. As a precaution, residents were advised to ensure the quality of the water before ingestion by bringing the water to a boil. Following and exceeding guidelines imposed by state DHH, testing by the Sewerage and Water Board has shown no indication of contamination. Samples were collected by trained S & W B personnel and the tests were performed in the Water Board’s state-certified bacteriological laboratory. All tests proved negative for any sign of any problem. Therefore, as of 10:00 am December 14, 2006 the Sewerage and Water Board has ended the boil water advisory.

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