Press Releases

New Orleans, LA - Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) contractor, Wallace C Drennan, will perform a water valve closure on a 36-inch water main on Magnolia St from Earhart Blvd to Howard Ave. Weather permitting, SWBNO crews will begin closing the valve on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. This water closure is expected to last for approximately 4 weeks to facilitate crews installing a line stop at Earhart Blvd and Magnolia St to isolate the leaking main under the Amtrak railroad and the HOV ramp.

While a significant pressure drop is anticipated for customers in the Central Business District, our crews will monitor water pressure throughout the city. If pressures dip below 20 psi, we will notify the public of the need for a precautionary boil water advisory. During this time some customers may experience lower-than-normal pressure, especially upper floors of multi-story buildings.

We want to remind customers about the lane and street closures in place to facilitate this repair during this initial phase of work.

Location: Magnolia St at Earhart Blvd and Howard Ave from Magnolia St to Le Rouge St

Work Description: Water main repairs and water main lining

Work Schedule: The water main repairs and paving restoration is expected to last up to eight weeks

Traffic Impact: 

• Magnolia St at Earhart Blvd will be closed to through traffic; one lane of Earhart Blvd (river and lake bound) will be closed leading up to Magnolia St
• Earhart Blvd HOV will be reduced to one lane
• Howard Avenue will be reduced to one lane traffic in each direction from Magnolia St to Le Rouge St
• Magnolia St and Le Rouge St will be reduced to one lane traffic in each direction from Dave Dixon Dr to Howard Ave

Customers who are experiencing very low or no water pressure are directed to call our Emergency Call Center at 504-52-WATER; SWBNO is open every day, 24 hours a day to serve you.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as we work to maintain and improve your water system.

For media inquiries and availability, please contact media@swbno.org.