JEFFERSON PARISH, La. (WGNO) — The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Jefferson Parish Water Department issued a boil water advisory for East Bank homeowners and businesses Thursday night.
The water advisory came after a drop in pressure due to repeated power surges and outages at the water treatment plant June 8.
Friday, Jefferson Parish Councilman-at-Large Scott Walker said the parish emergency operations center sent out an alert through the reverse 911 system geotargeting the East Bank. However, for an unknown reason, hundreds of people did not receive the alert.
At Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church, staff had to be creative to keep children active without water.
“We’re lucky we have a really beautiful campus and a lot of space so we have kind of a big pallet, if you will, to come up with creative things,” Pastor David Watson said.
Watson said the church also acts as a green campus and had to buy paper plates and utensils instead of using their reusable products.
All residents are advised not to drink the water without boiling or disinfecting it first or use bottled water before drinking, ice making, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and in food preparation until further notice.
The advisory will remain in effect until the water is tested to make sure there has been no contamination. Walker said, the boil order is simply protocol since the water pressure dropped below a certain level. Parish officials did not believe there were any real issues with the water.
According to Walker, Thursday night was an isolated incident and should not impact the parish in the event of a major storm during hurricane season.
“Generator power should be fine, our pumps are in a good spot,” Walker said. “Last night was just the perfect storm that led to the unfortunate circumstances we’re in.”
Officials advise those with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and the elderly who may be at an increased risk of illness should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
Those using boiled or disinfected water should use the following methods:
- Boil the water for a one full minute in a clean container. The one minute starts after the water has been brought to a rolling boil. The flat taste can be eliminated by shaking the water in a bottle or pouring it from one container to another.
- Disinfect the water 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 prior to consumption. Mix it thoroughly.
For additional information, contact the Jefferson Parish East Bank Water Treatment Plant at (504)-838-4312. To sign up for JP Alert, text JPALERT to 888777. To check your status on the JP Alert system or Reverse 911, email jpeoc@jeffparish.net.
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