SWBNO Extends Precautionary Boil Water Advisory for East Bank; Precautionary Boil Water Advisory Canceled for West Bank
For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 8, 2024 12:59 PM
NEW ORLEANS - The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) lab completed the first round of testing for 90 tap samples from the East Bank. Two of those samples– one in the Hollygrove neighborhood and one in the Tulane / Gravier area—were positive for total coliform. Total coliform itself is not usually harmful, but it can indicate that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. However, both samples tested negative for E. coli bacteria.
All other 88 East Bank samples and all 10 West Bank samples were clear.
In consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), we are lifting the boil water advisory for the West Bank. However, we are extending the precautionary boil water advisory for the East Bank out of an abundance of caution until additional sample results are returned.
A map of the affected area is here.
As part of our normal sampling process, we collect two samples from all areas several hours apart. Testing is underway for the second set of samples for the East Bank. The utility expects those results to be available this evening, Thursday, August 8.
In the meantime, healthy adults should continue to take the following precautions:
- Washing hands: Use soap and tap water, dry hands, then apply hand sanitizer; the safest option is to wash with bottled or boiled water.
- Showering or bathing: Be careful not to swallow any water. Infants, young children and disabled persons should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Residents with open wounds, chronic illness or weakened immune systems should use boiled or bottled water to bathe until the advisory is lifted.
After a precautionary boil water advisory is canceled, customers who have not used their water supply during this precautionary boil water advisory are advised to flush their internal and external plumbing by running water through their system for several minutes.
SWBNO will notify residents when the boil water advisory is canceled. If you have any questions, please call SWBNO’s Water Lab at (504) 865-0420 or (504) 52-WATER.
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