Press Releases

To prepare for a major repair to a large 30-inch water main in the 1000 block of Magazine Street, the Sewerage and Water Board on Wednesday, Dec. 4, will test the impact of shutting off water to that section of the main.

Known as a “test closure,” this procedure involves closing water valves on the main and monitoring any potential impact on water pressure. It will take place between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wednesday. The areas potentially affected include a large portion of downtown between the Mississippi River, Calliope Street and Claiborne and Esplanade avenues.

A crew will be working at the intersection of Magazine and Julia streets. The left lanes on both streets will be closed to accommodate the valve truck and workers. Motorists are advised to avoid this intersection if possible.

While we will actively monitor water pressure in the area, we’re asking for the public’s help to further track results. If you are in these neighborhoods and lose water pressure, please call us immediately at 52-WATER (504.529.2837) and let us know. It’s your vigilance that will help us fully understand the impact of this test closure.

Because our drinking water supply system is a network of redundantly interconnected mains and pipes, we do not anticipate customers will lose water service. Nevertheless, we will closely watch water pressure at various locations throughout the Central Business District and the French Quarter. Our teams also will stand by to quickly open any valves should we detect signs of dropping water pressure.

Should the test closure prove successful with no impact to the water supply, we will publicly provide more information about our next steps before any repairs begin.

A map of potentially affected areas is attached.