Press Releases

New Orleans, LA - Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) contractor, Cycle Construction, will perform a test water valve closure on a 48-inch transmission main and a 6-inch distribution main on S. Claiborne Avenue this weekend. Weather permitting, crews will begin closing the valves on Saturday, November 23, 2024, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This test water closure is expected to last until Saturday, November 23 at 5:00 p.m. if water pressure throughout the system is deemed acceptable. This closure is to ensure valve operability and is expected to result in lower-than-normal water pressure throughout the East Bank of New Orleans.

This Saturday, November 23rd from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SWBNO crews will be tying in the newly installed 6-inch distribution main into the system which will impact residents and businesses' water services. 

The expected impact areas include:
-S. Claiborne Ave. from Washington Ave. - First St. 

This 48” water main supplements much of the water supply to the East Bank of New Orleans, therefore resulting in potential lower-than-normal water pressure in these locations. This water main is one of six large transmission water mains that provides water to the East Bank, which means there are redundancies in the water distribution system.

While lower-than-normal water pressure is anticipated, 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.

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.

Transmission Water Main Replacement Projects

The replacement of the 48- inch water transmission main in the 2600 - 3300 blocks of S. Claiborne Ave (TM011 - S Claiborne Louisiana Avenue to Third Street) is the sixth Transmission Water Main Replacement Project that SWBNO has replaced since 2021.  This transmission main program is funded by FEMA and managed by SWBNO in cooperation with the City of New Orleans as part of the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Roads (JIRR) Program.   

There are five future transmission main projects scheduled. These projects are needed to proactively replace water lines as part of SWBNO’s commitment to infrastructure resiliency and reliability, as outlined in our five-year strategic plan.

Questions about this project or Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans should be directed to 504-52-WATER (92837) or outreach@swbno.org.

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