The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans’ (SWBNO) Turbine No. 4 experienced a mechanical failure this morning. Teams are working on diagnosing and repairing the turbine, but we anticipate it will remain out of service until further notice. SWBNO Operations is utilizing Frequency Converters and the 3 back-up generators (EMD’s) to distribute power amongst the various Drainage Pumping Stations (DPS's) to continue pumping down canal levels which is needed to drain the streets.

With the break in the weather forecast, Operations pumped down the canals to normal levels for all of the DPS’s. We will continue to pump down the canals throughout the day to provide additional storage capacity.

Residents should remain weather aware. Without Turbines 4 and 5 available, any intense rain may cause street flooding in some areas. Turbine 5 is expected to return to service within 10 days.

For more info: Press Releases - Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (swbno.org)