Boil Water Advisory Issued for New Orleans East

The Sewerage & Water Board issued a precautionary boil water advisory for New Orleans East only, excluding the Lower 9th Ward, due to a drop in water pressure. Don't consume tap water, be careful bathing, and take care cleaning. See swbno.org for more information.

Don't consume tap water

• Use bottled or boiled water to drink, cook, brush teeth, and mix baby formula.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with bottled or boiled water.
• Don’t use ice from ice trays or ice makers. Make new ice with bottled or boiled water.
• To be safe, give your pets bottled or boiled water.

Be careful bathing

• If you’re a healthy adult, you can bathe or shower with tap water. Be careful not to swallow any water.
• Give babies and young children a sponge bath or use boiled water to bathe.
• If you have open wounds or a weakened immune system, use boiled water to bathe.
• Use hand sanitizer after washing hands.

Take care cleaning

• Wash countertops and tables with boiled water.
• Use a rinse temperature of 150° F or a sanitize cycle on your dishwasher.
• Wash dishes by hand as usual. Then soak in mixture of 1 gallon of water and 1 teaspoon of bleach for 1 minute.
• Do laundry as usual.

Boil water safely

1. Heat water until large bubbles come from the bottom to the top of the pot.
2. Let the water boil for at least 1 minute.
3. Turn off the stove and let the water cool.
4. Store the water in a clean container with a cover.
5. Add a pinch of salt and shake to improve the taste.

More resources

• Boil water guide
• Boil water guide for healthcare, restaurants, and daycare facilities
• Louisiana Department of Health’s guide for healthcare facilities