Water Sampling Has Begun for West Bank

The Sewerage & Water Board, in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Health, has begun collecting water samples related to the precautionary boil water advisory on the West Bank.

Water pressure dropped below the acceptable level of 15 psi around 1:40 p.m. at two gauges, one in Algiers and another in Lower Coast. A boil water advisory was called within the hour. Pressure recovered sufficiently enough Tuesday afternoon to allow lab technicians to begin collecting water samples and testing them for bacterial contamination.

The water pressure drop is believed to be related to a 30-inch water main break earlier Tuesday morning, Jan. 23, near Wall Boulevard and Flanders Street.

The concern is that a pressure drop can allow contaminants into water pipes. Bacterial testing typically requires an incubation period of about 24 hours.