Broken valve requires small expansion of precautionary boil water advisory near universities; SWBNO responding to water main break on South Johnson Street

While responding to a water main break near South Johnson and Calhoun streets, the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) found a broken valve on Audubon Street. That required us to close more valves to isolate the water supply to the break.

Out of an abundance of caution, we are expanding the existing precautionary boil water advisory to include all properties between South Claiborne Avenue, Hickory Street, South Carrollton Avenue and both sides of Audubon Boulevard. This does not include properties on the west side of South Carrollton at this time.

Tulane University and its stadium are not included in the boil water advisory areas at this time. Customers in other areas of the city are not affected and do not need to boil their water.

We will continue to test water pressure in that vicinity and provide more information as it becomes available.

It is important to note that the boundaries are approximations. If you experience little or no water pressure and live near the impacted zone, please take extra precautions when using your water.

A map of the impacted areas can be viewed here: www.swbno.org/News/BoilWater

As SWBNO responded to the break in a 30-inch water main under South Johnson, crews worked to close valves to shut off water to the damaged section of pipe. While actively monitoring pressure at hydrants in the area, water pressure below the state limit of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) was detected in some locations.

Out of an abundance of caution, SWBNO issued this advisory for the properties closest to the sites of the low water pressure readings.

Residents in the affected area are advised to use bottled or boiled tap water to drink, cook, clean food or brush teeth until further notice. Residents with compromised immune systems should also use safe water to wash hands, shower or bathe.

SWBNO, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, issues boil water advisories out of an abundance of caution for areas where water pressure drops below 20 psi.

We agree with the recommendations of LDH that it is prudent to issue these advisories out of an abundance of caution. The concern is that a pressure drop inside a water pipe could allow bacteriological contaminants to enter.

During a boil water advisory

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.

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.

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.

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