In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, residents on the East Bank are facing unprecedented challenges due to a water main break outside the East Bank Water Treatment Plant on Jefferson Highway. This incident has resulted in a boil water advisory being issued for the entire East Bank of Jefferson Parish, including Kenner and Harahan. The water main break has caused significant disruptions and safety concerns for residents and businesses in the area.
The water main break occurred on Jefferson Highway, near the East Bank Water Treatment Plant, around 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday. Emergency crews immediately commenced repair work to restore normalcy. However, due to the extent of the damage, water pressure in the area dropped significantly, prompting officials to issue a boil water advisory. The advisory remains in effect until further notice, emphasizing the importance of not consuming tap water until it is deemed safe.
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The boil water advisory affects the entirety of the East Bank of Jefferson Parish, encompassing residential areas, businesses, and public institutions. Facilities such as Jefferson Parish Head Start Centers, Community Centers, Libraries, and JPRD facilities on the East Bank will be closed on Wednesday due to the advisory and potential low water pressure. However, other government buildings, including the Yenni Building, will remain open.
The water main break has also impacted operations at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Due to the loss of water pressure in the airport terminal, all restrooms and water fountains have been closed. To mitigate the inconvenience, portable toilets have been placed in a pre-security area of the terminal. Additionally, only prepackaged food and beverages are available at airport concessions.
As a result of the water main break, all three eastbound lanes of Jefferson Highway, from Central Avenue to Shrewsbury Road, will be closed during rush hour on Wednesday morning. This closure is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions. A detour has been established, with drivers advised to take alternate routes using North to Airline or South to River Road, then to Shrewsbury, and back to eastbound Jefferson Highway.
Efforts are underway to restore water pressure in the affected areas. The Water Department and Emergency Crews have been working tirelessly throughout the night to repair the water main and gradually build up the required water pressure. However, the exact timeline for complete restoration is currently unknown.
During the boil water advisory, it is crucial for residents to adhere to the recommended precautions. All tap water must be boiled before consumption, including drinking, ice making, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation. Boiling water for a full minute in a clean container is recommended to ensure its safety. Alternatively, water can be disinfected by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of unscented, liquid chlorine laundry bleach with one gallon of water and letting it stand for at least 30 minutes.
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To mitigate the strain on the water system, residents are advised to minimize non-essential water use, such as washing dishes and doing laundry, until further notice. Conserving water will aid in building up the necessary water pressure and alleviate the strain on the system.
Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng has urged residents to exercise patience and understanding during this challenging time. The recovery process, including the lifting of the boil water advisory, will occur in phases. Even when water pressure returns to normal, it is crucial to continue following the advisory until official notice of its lifting is issued. The process requires sufficient time for necessary testing and verification to ensure the safety and quality of the water supply.
The water main break has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the aging infrastructure and recent weather conditions. The freeze followed by a drought and subsequent freeze again, along with soil shifts over time, have contributed to the breakage of the water main.
Residents can stay updated on the situation by visiting the official Jefferson Parish website (www.JeffParish.net) or following the Parish on social media platforms (@JeffParishGov). Regular updates will be provided through these channels. Additionally, residents can receive alerts by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.
For further information and guidance on dealing with boil water advisories, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer additional resources and recommendations.
