The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans has expanded a boil-water advisory to cover the entire east bank of the city early on Jan. 18, 2018. The first advisory was put in place in the evening the day prior for the New Orleans East area. This order was issued due to the system water pressure dropping below the minimum safety threshold of 15 psi. at two different drainage pump stations. Water pressure in the area normally is a stable at about 40 psi.

In an statement, the Sewerage & Water Board explained that broken frozen water lines and increases in water use to keep pipes from freezing may have strained the New Orleans water distribution system. The Sewerage & Water Board is urging residents to reduce water use wherever possible. The utility has also called for residents to drastically reduce water usage in the face of the these boil-water advisorys, including suggesting that of running faucets, dishwashers and washing machines to prevent freezing be discontinued.

According to utility, work crews have begun to scour the area for potential leaks or causes of the pressure drop, as well as closing water valves at several properties where leaking water pipes have been discovered. It is hoped these significant pressure issues may become a thing the past following the construction of two new water towers in the area, which hopefully will ease the stress on the current system. The new towers and related piping should be completed and in service by August 2018 and March 2019, respectively.