Press Releases

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is proactively preparing for potential impacts to drinking water in the event of saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, SWBNO’s water remains safe to drink and use for all purposes. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues its efforts to mitigate impacts to drinking water in our region by increasing the height of a sill, or underwater barrier, in the river that was built in July 2023. 

“The health and safety of our customers informs every decision we make at SWBNO,” said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. “We will use all resources at our disposal to both protect residents and communicate our plans to respond during this unprecedented situation.” 

In coordination with federal, state, and local partners, SWBNO is preparing a response in the event of saltwater intrusion into the City’s drinking water supply. Should New Orleans experience saltwater impacts, SWBNO will notify customers well in advance of any changes that should be made to their water usage. 

We urge all customers to sign up to receive NOLA Ready emergency alerts to your phone or email. Text NOLAREADY to 77295 for alerts.

For more information about the Saltwater Wedge from the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, please visit: https://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Engineering/Stage-and-Hydrologic-Data/SaltwaterWedge/SaltwaterWedgeOverview/.