06/10/2026
We've been asked by the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans to share this explanation and apology for the unscheduled water service disruption on 6/3/26. See below:
"Dear Lower Garden District customers,
We completely understand the frustration regarding the water closure on June 3rd. We'd like to take the time to explain the situation and clarify the issues that we encountered that day. This work was necessary to install a new water line on the 1100 block of Euterpe.
Previous attempts to tie-in the new line were unsuccessful, and it was determined that a new valve on a 20-inch water main on Camp Street was necessary in order to install the new line. In addition to supporting this project, it will also be helpful for future projects or repairs in this area.
The planned work for June 3rd was to operate approximately 15 valves to stop the water and allow for the installation of a NEW 20-inch valve on this line.
The original affected area (that received prior notification) was:
·Magazine St from St Mary St to Melpomene St
·St Mary St from Magazine St to Camp St
·Camp St from Josephine St to St Mary St
After SWBNO crews operated all the valves needed, there was still water flowing through the pipe, due to what was discovered to be a broken 12-inch valve. Due to contractor work already in progress, work needed to proceed.
The new (emergency) closure involved operation of roughly an additional 20 valves, which impacted the following additional area:
·Josephine St from Camp St to St Charles Av
·St Andrew St from Magazine St to St Charles Av ·Felicity St from Magazine St to St Charles Av
·Orange St from Magazine St to Camp St
The closure lasted longer than expected due to rubber gaskets not sitting properly, so additional time was needed to make the adjustments. Water was returned to the majority of the area around 7:30pm. Throughout this process, SWBNO and DPW were in constant communication every step of the way. DPW posted on Nextdoor and sent out multiple text blasts via their subscription list to residents keeping them informed as well.
Once we realized that the 1100 block of Euterpe was still without water late the night of June 3rd, a specific update was sent to those residents keeping them informed as well. Water was restored to this block by 10:45pm.
Per our protocol, a ‘test closure’ was previously conducted in this area to identify the impacted area, prior to the actual construction work. The purpose of test closures is to prevent these instances, but there are occasions, such as this one, when these emergency situations occur. In this case, a valve did not operate as expected during the construction closure.
Unfortunately, this is an example of how important it was for this valve to be installed. In addition to allowing the water line tie-in on 1100 Euterpe, it will also support future work, ie allowing us to have smaller impacted areas for future closures with the additional valve.
We are meeting with District B's team onsite today to discuss the upcoming schedule for this project.
To sign up for construction alerts, use the link below or text ROADWORK to 77295. Please check your SPAM folders if you are already signed up for these notifications and mark as a 'trusted' sender.
Thank you and please accept our sincere apologies for the major inconvenience.
https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=nola
Alice Noel
Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 504-881-3176
