Fixing pipes at urgent risk and a pilot test assessing the condition of old water mains, that’s part of the Sewerage and Water Board’s action plan, following months of back-to-back gushing geysers Uptown.
While the repairs and tests across the city will take several months, it’s one step in the right direction for the aging system.
But the project will cost millions of dollars. In a statement, the utility said, “The SWBNO aims to implement an ongoing water main replacement program that will allow the utility to replace 60% of water mains in the next 20-30 years.”
The Sewerage and Water Board released a six-step plan to help stabilize the drinking water distribution center and develop a city-wide conditions assessment.
The six steps include:
- Immediately address urgent risk transmission mains
- Conduct a pilot test on a subsection of the oldest water mains
- Issue an RFI for information on emerging technologies
- Develop the next set of priority projects based on information gathered in steps 1-3
- Evaluate hydraulic conditions in targeted areas
- Conduct a citywide conditions assessment
Each step includes an estimated time and funding needs.
The SWBNO also issued a timeline on the progress in the steps and their immediate action plan.
WDSU obtained new documents detailing a recent exchange between Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso and the Sewerage and Water Board.
Giarrusso is asking for the utility company to return $14 million from the Hero Grant fund since the money is “not being used.”
He says this will help with the current budget deficit.
The Sewerage and Water Board agreed to return the funds, since the state and federal government have not matched its portion of the program.
Neighbors say they are tired of the back-to-back water issues; they just want to see the improvements made in real time.
“I think the general vibe is that the city needs to be a little more proactive and understanding that there are aging pipes, reacting to things after is one thing, versus saying lets get ahead of this, and I know the city has a money issue, but it’s kind of their job,” said Sam Safferstien.
“It is frustrating; there’s been construction on Broadway for years, and now this happens, so you never know when you turn a corner if you can keep going or not,” said Cindy Williams.
Read their full plan on the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans website.
READ MORE:See what the Sewerage and Water Board says they’ll do to address pipe concerns
