Press Releases

All 99 drainage pumps available for service; SWBNO offices closed tomorrow

August 23, 2020 - NEW ORLEANS – The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is continuing to make preparations ahead of Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. Our Emergency Operations Center is activated, allowing us to quickly receive updates and make swift decisions.

All 99 drainage pumps are now available for service. Pump E at DPS 4 was brought back into service this morning. Turbines 1, 3, 4 and 6 are available for service, as well as all 5 Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) generators and all 5 frequency changers.

One constant-duty pump is out-of-service, but these are smaller units used to regulate groundwater in canals and are not large enough to be critical during a flood fight.

It is important to emphasize that our drainage system is old and can be vulnerable to storm-related challenges. Tropical systems can present unforeseen circumstances. Our staff is experienced and prepared to respond as these circumstances change and such challenges arise.

Residents should prepare for likely street flooding and pooling in low-lying areas. All underpasses should also be avoided because they are prone to flooding.

SWBNO offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, August 23. 504-52-WATER will remain open for residents to report major water leaks and sewer backups. We ask residents to report any street flooding to 911 and monitor streetwise.nola.gov to view reported street flooding.

We encourage residents to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @SWBNewOrleans for updates. You can also text “Laura” to 888777 for updates from the City of New Orleans.

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