Press Releases

NEW ORLEANS, LA—The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is actively preparing for the freezing weather the city is forecasted to experience starting Sunday, January 19 and advises customers to prepare their properties in advance.

The utility is working closely with its partners at the City of New Orleans, NOLA Ready, Entergy and the National Weather Service to ensure a coordinated response. SWBNO teams are closely monitoring the evolving weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware.  

How SWBNO is Preparing:

SWBNO’s focus is to ensure that the utility has the power capacity, personnel, and operational strategies to manage the anticipated inclement weather. In advance of this winter weather, SWBNO is:

• Planning for additional storage of chemicals for water purification and fuel for vehicles.
• Closely monitoring water pressure in the drinking water system.
• Preparing for power outages by monitoring our in-house power generation equipment.
  • Turbine 4,5 and 6 are available for use.    
  • SWBNO has also exercised key generators (including the EMDs) to ensure they are ready to run, if needed.
  • For our Full Pumping and Power Status, please visit our Pumping and Power Dashboard.
• Checking insulation on piping at its facilities, including drainage pump stations and sewer pump stations.
• Scheduling additional essential employees to work through this potential weather event until the weather conditions no longer affect the area. 

While the water and sewer system is susceptible to the impacts from cold weather, the utility is confident these preparations will be sufficient to maintain services throughout the event.

How Customers Can Prepare:

As temperatures drop below freezing, the chance of water turning to ice in plumbing systems increases. As water freezes, it expands and has the potential to crack or break exposed pipes, which can cause damage once the ice thaws and water begins to flow again. To prevent damage, here are some ways customers can protect their pipes. 

• Insulate exposed pipes. Wrap pipes in foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. Customers can also use rags or newspaper. Be sure the wrapping is at least an inch thick. Add plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the top to keep the insulation and your pipes dry.
• Drip a faucet. Run the faucet farthest from your meter at no more than a trickle of water, about as thin as a standard strand of spaghetti, to minimize the chance of water freezing in your pipes. 
  • Running water beyond this recommendation can get expensive and can contribute to low water pressure, potentially leading to a boil water advisory.
• Disconnect hoses. Make sure to disconnect garden hoses. This will prevent water trapped in the spigot or the hose from freezing.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat from the rest of the building to warm the pipes within the cabinets.
• Stay informed. Our Emergency Hotline remains staffed and available 24/7. Customers can report leaks and other water-related emergencies by calling 52-WATER. For real-time updates, follow our partners at @NWSNew Orleans and @NOLAReady on Twitter or text NOLAREADY to 77295. 

For more information, visit swbno.org/DrinkingWater/FightingTheFreeze. 

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