Sewerage & Water Board Cautions About Water Use During Freeze

While New Orleans continues to endure freezing conditions, the Sewerage & Water Board is cautioning the public to be careful about how much water they keep running to keep their pipes from freezing.

The collective water use is taxing the system, making it difficult to keep up with demand. It may also cause low water pressure in some areas.

If residents must run their water, the Sewerage & Water Board urges them to run only the faucet farthest from their property’s main stop valve. The stream should be no more than 1/16 of an inch wide, about “pencil lead thin.” Residents should also turn off their water as soon as outside temperatures reach above the freezing point: 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The high demand can limit the New Orleans Fire Department’s ability to draw water necessary to fight fires. The Sewerage & Water Board will remain in constant communication with the department and stands prepared to respond to firefighters’ needs throughout this cold snap. 

Residents are encouraged to call 52-WATER to report any water problems.