The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board issued a precautionary water boil advisory for all of the West Bank in Orleans Parish on Saturday morning after a period of low water pressure due to maintenance work.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, the board said it was in the process of testing water samples in consultation with the Louisiana Department of Health. The results can take up to 24 hours, and until the results are back, the West Bank in Orleans Parish will remain under a boil water advisory.
Residents are asked to use bottled water or boiled tap water for drinking, cooking, cleaning food and brushing their teeth, the agency said Saturday morning.
The advisory was issued after water pressure fell below 20 pounds per square inch as crews performed maintenance work at a water tower at the Algiers Water Plant.
Although pressure has since returned to normal and there was no water main break, SWBNO issues a water boil advisory whenever pressure drops below 20 psi, out of concern that the decrease could allow bacteria to enter the water pipes.
Residents with compromised immune systems should use safe water to wash hands, shower or bathe, the agency said.