NEW ORLEANS — The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire Westbank of New Orleans.
Officials said water pressures in this area fell below 20 pounds per square inch due to a momentary pump interruption.
"As of now, all pumping has been restored to normal," SWBNO said.
Residents who are experiencing low or no water pressure should call 504-52-WATER (504-529-2837).
What to do during a boil water advisory
Advisories don’t necessarily mean that the water is contaminated but that viruses or bacteria could have gotten into the system, and the current water quality is unknown.
During a boil advisory, you should use bottled water or water you’ve boiled for one minute on the stove.
This goes for washing dishes, cooking, drinking, brushing your teeth, mixing baby formula, or filling your pet’s water bowl.
The CDC says you should boil your tap water even if you have a water filter because most kitchen filters don’t kill bacteria or viruses. Only a UV water disinfection system can kill them.
Don’t use any ice made with tap water during the boil advisory, and be sure to empty your ice maker after the order is lifted.
Baths and showers are okay, just try not to get water in your mouth. You should sponge-bathe babies and small kids to keep them from swallowing water. Laundry and using the dishwasher is okay, too, as long as you have good enough water pressure and the parish isn’t specifically requesting residents to conserve water.
During this precautionary advisory, healthy adults should take the following precautions:
- Washing hands: Use soap and tap water, dry hands, then apply hand sanitizer; the safest option is to wash with bottled or boiled water.
- Showering or bathing: Be careful not to swallow any water. Infants, young children, and disabled persons should be supervised to ensure water is not ingested. Residents with open wounds, chronic illness or weakened immune systems should use boiled or bottled water to bathe until the advisory is lifted.
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