SWBNO June 2026 Updates
Representatives from SWBNO reported progress on customer engagement, infrastructure projects, water system initiatives, and hurricane preparedness as of June 2026.
Regarding customer communication and engagement, SWBNO highlighted ongoing community outreach efforts, including multiple public meetings held this spring and additional meetings planned throughout June. Additionally, SWBNO noted that more than 100,000 customer portal accounts are now registered, representing approximately 75% of customers.
Water System Updates
On the water system side, SWBNO provided updates on several water main repairs across the city, including South Claiborne Ave., Third St., and Florida Ave., where crews fixed leaks and began related sewer repairs. The utility company is also planning to replace 1,000 feet of problematic piping on Tern St. Representatives discussed the June 3 emergency shutdown in the Lower Garden District, which expanded after crews discovered a broken valve during a Camp St. infrastructure project, and are meeting with neighborhood leaders to address concerns.
SWBNO reported that the French Quarter transmission main replacement project remains on schedule for completion in late September. Work along portions of Decatur St.and St. Peter is nearing completion, while crews have begun underground construction in the 900 block of Decatur and are working to minimize disruptions.
The utility company outlined progress on its Lead Service Line Replacement Program. SWBNO emphasized its commitment to replacing both public and private-side lead service lines at no cost to residents. In addition, SWBNO launched a corrosion-control pilot program in Algiers and announced that it secured $9.5 million in state capital outlay funding for water treatment infrastructure improvements, with additional funding anticipated in future years.
Drainage System Updates
SWBNO detailed its preparations for the 2026 hurricane season. The utility company has been testing generators, securing backup power resources, cleaning canals and catch basins, and coordinating with Entergy, Delta, and Flood Protection Authorities.
Drainage crews have cleaned 6.5 miles of drain lines, more than 1,506 catch basins, and removed over 1,413,619 pounds of debris so far this year. Representatives noted that Turbine 4 has been retired after 73 years of service, and that the new Power Complex is now online.
The presentation also addressed ongoing drainage and sewer system challenges. Several drainage pumps remain out of service at stations across the city, although temporary pumping capacity and repair projects are helping maintain system operations.
All three permanent pumps at the Carrollton Underpass remain inoperable, and the city is using a temporary pump to serve the area. At the same time, crews prepare to begin permanent repairs this summer. Additionally, the discharge bells at DPS 7 require repairs due to severe corrosion.
Sewer System Updates
SWBNO provided an update on the Industrial Canal sewer force main break that occurred in April. Crews stopped the discharge after approximately 50 million gallons of sewage had been released and are continuing to develop a repair plan while rerouting flows through alternate pipelines. Officials have lifted recreational advisories related to the incident, though the Florida Avenue Bridge remains closed.
Additional work continues in the Dwyer Canal area, where dye testing and repairs are underway to address sewer-related issues, and residents are still advised to avoid swimming, boating, and fishing in affected waters.
Finally, SWBNO reported that the Erato St. sewer main relocation project is progressing through phased construction, and crews expect traffic detours to continue through summer 2026.
To view the full presentation, click here.
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