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NEW ORLEANS, LA - On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Public Works Committee convened to discuss two amendments to Professional Service Agreements between the City and IV Waste, LLC, as well as Mott MacDonald, LLC. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans also provided a monthly operational update, including updates on water main repairs, the line replacement program, and more.
Monthly Operational Updates from SWBNO
Representatives from the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) spoke before the committee to provide its monthly operational updates on water main repairs, Dwyer Canal, DPS 15 pipe replacement, and more.
SWBNO provided information based on its Immediate Action Plan, which aims to address urgent risks, assess the condition of older pipes, test new repair methods, and set priorities for near and mid-term projects. SWBNO has added 30-inch valves at Spruce/Carrolton and completed repairs at Magnolia (Jackson, Phillip). Next, SWBNO seeks to address the water main issues at S. Claiborne and 3rd, as well as issues at 4801 Florida Ave.
The Lead Service Line Replacement program is progressing, with a $66 million state loan nearing approval and proposed state legislation to improve access to private property and enable the replacement of private lead service lines. CDM Smith has been selected for the RFP, and a contract award is expected soon.
While constituents wait for these repairs to be completed, the SWBNO advised them to take precautions, which include using only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. SWBNO also recommended flushing dormant lines for three to five minutes, installing certified water filters, and requesting lead-testing kits.
Ongoing work in the Dwyer Canal area includes investigating sewer discharges, conducting smoke and dye tests to identify defects, and monitoring water quality. While most sampling locations show improvement, some remain elevated. Since January 2026, actions have included repairs, clearing blockages, restoring pump stations, and continued testing, with additional corrective work planned.
Drainage maintenance efforts include regular canal grass cutting and vegetation control through herbicides and manual removal.
Regarding work on the Dwyer Canal Area, the committee urged SWBNO to provide clear, digestible, and transparent statistics and information on the ongoing work. Committee members also stressed the importance of having multiple clear communication avenues between SWBNO and the public, including physical notices posted on doors and updates on the Nextdoor app.
To view the full presentation, click here.
Amendments to Existing Professional Service Agreements
The committee voted on amendments to two existing Professional Service Agreements (PSAs). The first was Amendment No. 6 to the PSA between the City and Mott MacDonald, LLC. This amendment extends the agreement for engineering design and construction administration services for roadway improvements on Conti Street. It extends the contract term by one year, from September 8, 2025, through September 7, 2026. The amendment does not alter the core terms of the agreement.
The second voting item was Amendment No. 1 to the PSA with IV Waste, LLC, which amends the existing sanitation services contract for Service Area 5. It extends the contract term by 18 months, from June 23, 2026, through December 22, 2027, and increases the maximum total contract amount to $13,523,668.
The amendment also formalizes the involvement of a surety via the Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, which guarantees the contractor’s performance and payment obligations with bonds covering both extension years.
The Public Works Committee recommended both amendments for approval. The full City Council will vote on these items at a later date.
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