NEW ORLEANS - The attempt to repair a damaged 30-inch water main on Marconi Drive was unsuccessful Friday, July 31. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has begun preparations for a more extensive approach next week, which may include replacing the damaged section of pipe.

During their efforts on Thursday and Friday, the SWBNO team found that the damage to the pipe, which is housed in a vault within the Orleans Canal levee, was more extensive and would require a larger repair. SWBNO had approached the challenging repair with the understanding that they may encounter this more serious condition. 

The 30-inch main mostly serves the areas bounded by the 17th Street Canal, the Orleans Canal, Interstate 610 and Lake Pontchartrain.

Water pressure is stable. SWBNO continues to be in close contact with its partners at the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and will continue to keep the media and residents updated on its progress.