New Orleans – Louisiana
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has managed water services in this historic city for over 120 years, serving approximately 400,000 residents across a unique below-sea-level urban environment. The utility maintains approximately 1,600 miles of water mains, the Carrollton Water Treatment Plant, and a complex pumping system that delivers roughly 135 million gallons daily to the Greater New Orleans area.
New Orleans draws its drinking water entirely from the Mississippi River, a massive watershed that drains 41% of the contiguous United States. This abundant but challenging source water requires extensive treatment to address seasonal variations in turbidity, organic content, and industrial contaminants. New Orleans’ water system faces extraordinary challenges including aging infrastructure, frequent flooding, saltwater intrusion concerns, and hurricane vulnerability. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the city has invested over $2.4 billion in water system resilience and infrastructure improvements, working to modernize while preserving one of America’s most culturally significant urban environments.
New Orleans Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 7.9 parts per billion (ppb), below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting improved corrosion control despite aging infrastructure.
- Testing Scope: SWBNO conducts over 100,000 water quality tests annually across the system, including regular monitoring at residential sites and comprehensive analysis at the treatment plant.
- Compliance Status: New Orleans’ water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Louisiana Department of Health regulations.
Mississippi River Water Source
- Abundant Supply: The Mississippi River provides virtually unlimited water volume, ensuring quantity is never a concern even during drought conditions.
- Treatment Challenges: River water requires extensive treatment for turbidity, sediment, and agricultural/industrial contaminants that enter the watershed throughout the Mississippi Basin.
- Saltwater Intrusion: During extreme drought conditions, saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico can push upstream, requiring careful monitoring and occasionally adjusting intake locations.
Comprehensive Treatment Process
- Multi-Stage Treatment: Carrollton Water Treatment Plant employs enhanced coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes specifically designed for challenging river water.
- Disinfection System: Primary chloramination with advanced monitoring ensures effective pathogen control throughout the distribution system.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized treatment using phosphate additives and pH adjustment minimizes lead leaching from aging pipes and service connections.
Hurricane Resilience Improvements
- Power Redundancy: Multiple backup power sources, including dedicated turbines and generators, maintain treatment plant operation during grid outages.
- Emergency Response: Comprehensive protocols developed post-Katrina ensure rapid system restoration following storms or flooding events.
- Critical Infrastructure Elevation: Key electrical and mechanical components elevated above flood levels to ensure continuity of operations.
Aging Infrastructure Challenges
New Orleans faces significant challenges with a water system that includes pipes dating to the early 1900s. The city estimates 40% of treated water is lost through leakage in the distribution system, substantially above the national average. SWBNO’s ongoing infrastructure program prioritizes lead service line replacement, water main rehabilitation, and leak detection initiatives. The city’s unique geography below sea level complicates repairs, often requiring special drainage procedures before work can begin. Despite these challenges, dedicated infrastructure funding from FEMA, state grants, and local bond measures is accelerating system improvements, with a focus on both water quality and reliability for this culturally significant American city.
Recommendations for New Orleans Residents
Stay Informed on Advisories
Sign up for SWBNO Emergency Alerts at swbno.org/alerts to receive immediate notification of boil water advisories. Follow advisories precisely, as they’re crucial in a system vulnerable to pressure drops.
Use Certified Filters
If your home was built before 1987, use NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water. SWBNO offers free filter programs for qualified residents – call (504) 529-2837 to apply.
Prepare for Emergencies
Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 5 days as part of hurricane preparedness. Include extra water for pets, food preparation, and hygiene. Consider a water filter rated for emergency use.
Flush Pipes After Advisories
After a boil water advisory is lifted, flush household pipes by running all cold water taps for at least 3 minutes. Empty and clean ice makers, water dispensers, and other appliances according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Report Issues Promptly
Report water main breaks, leaks, or pressure problems to (504) 529-2837 or through the 311 service. Quick reporting helps minimize system water loss and prevents potential contamination from pressure drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does New Orleans issue so many boil water advisories?
New Orleans’ unique circumstances create challenges that can lead to precautionary boil water advisories:
• Aging infrastructure: Pipes over 100 years old are prone to breaks and leaks
• Below-sea-level geography: Water pressure fluctuations can occur during heavy rainfalls
• Power system vulnerabilities: Despite improvements, power interruptions at pumping stations can still occur
• Cautious approach: SWBNO issues advisories whenever pressure drops below 20 psi, even briefly
Most advisories are precautionary and don’t indicate confirmed contamination. The frequency has decreased significantly since improved power backup systems were installed in 2018-2022.
Is New Orleans’ water safe to drink?
Yes, New Orleans’ water is safe when no advisories are in effect. The water meets all federal and state drinking water standards despite the challenges of treating Mississippi River water.
The Carrollton Water Treatment Plant uses multiple treatment barriers to ensure safety:
• Coagulation and sedimentation to remove particles
• Filtration to remove microorganisms
• Disinfection to kill pathogens
• Corrosion control to prevent lead leaching
As a precaution, residents in older homes should consider using certified filters for drinking and cooking water, especially households with children or pregnant women.
What improvements have been made since Hurricane Katrina?
Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans has invested over $2.4 billion in water system improvements:
• Power Redundancy: Multiple backup power sources including dedicated turbines
• Elevated Critical Equipment: Raising electrical and mechanical systems above flood levels
• Emergency Protocols: Enhanced response procedures for hurricanes and flooding
• Pipeline Rehabilitation: Strategic replacement of aging mains in critical areas
• Advanced Monitoring: Real-time water quality and pressure monitoring throughout the system
• Communication Systems: Improved alert systems for boil water advisories
These investments have significantly improved system resilience, though additional work continues.
Why does New Orleans water sometimes taste different?
Taste variations in New Orleans water are common and generally safe. Several factors can affect taste:
• Seasonal River Changes: Mississippi River water quality varies throughout the year, affecting taste
• Chloramine Adjustments: Disinfectant levels may be increased during warmer months
• System Maintenance: Flushing operations or nearby repairs may temporarily affect taste
• Saltwater Intrusion: During severe drought, subtle taste changes may occur as salt levels rise in the river
If you prefer, refrigerate tap water in an open container for several hours to improve taste, or use an NSF-certified carbon filter. If taste issues persist or seem unusual, call SWBNO at (504) 529-2837.
Contaminants of Concern
Lead
Source: Lead service lines and older plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1987; New Orleans has a significant inventory of lead service connections
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 7.9 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chlorine used for disinfection reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in Mississippi River water
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of bladder cancer and reproductive effects with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Status: Monitored closely throughout the system; vary seasonally with river conditions but maintained below EPA maximum levels
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