Press Releases

SWBNO Releases Water Distribution System Immediate Action Plan

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 16, 2026 7:06 PM

NEW ORLEANS, LA—In light of the recent increase in water transmission main breaks, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is releasing an action plan to stabilize the drinking water distribution system and develop a citywide conditions assessment. 

The plan includes the following steps:

  1. Immediately address urgent risk transmission mains

  2. Conduct a pilot test on a subsection of the oldest water mains

  3. Issue an RFI for information on emerging technologies

  4. Develop next set of priority projects based on information gathered in steps 1-3

  5. Evaluate hydraulic conditions in targeted areas

  6. Conduct a citywide conditions assessment

Each of these steps includes an estimated timeline and description of funding needs, which can be found in the plan linked below. 

To read the full Water Distribution System Immediate Action Plan, click here. This webpage will be regularly updated as progress is made.