METARIE – The winter blast that brought unusually cold weather to the area has caused serious problems water systems in both Jefferson Parish and Orleans Parish Thursday and has resulted in elective surgeries at Ochsner Medical Center being rescheduled.
Low water pressure reported in Jefferson Parish resulted in a boil water advisory for all residents in the East Bank of Jefferson Parish Thursday morning.
“Ochsner Medical Center, both on Jefferson Highway and Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner have lost water service,” said Giselle Hecker, director of public relations for Ochsner Health System.
Hecker says both Ochsner medical centers have identified alternative water sources and have taken precautionary measures to ensure that patient care is unaffected.
“The emergency departments will also remain open and emergent surgeries and procedures will still occur. Elective surgeries and procedures, diagnostic imaging and lab appointments will be rescheduled,” Hecker said.
A number of Ochsner satellite clinics in Jefferson Parish closed at 12 p.m. on Thursday due to water system problems.
According to the Jefferson Parish government website, “The loss of pressure in the distribution system (is) due to the extremely high number of water line breaks caused by the hard freeze. The pressure will be restored as soon as possible. The entire process of restoration will take at least 2-3 days.”
“We are working closely with the Jefferson Parish Water Department to resolve this matter. As always, the safety of our patients, visitors, physicians and staff is our top priority,” Hecker said.
Antwan Harris, public information officer for Jefferson Parish, did not return calls and emails further clarifying the scope and areas of the low water pressure.
Metairie businesses have had to close Thursday due to low water pressure, including the Eustis Building at 110 Veterans Avenue, Heritage Plaza, Theo’s Pizza locations on Veterans Boulevard and in Elmwood. A number of restaurants in the Elmwood shopping center are also closed Thursday because of low water pressure.​
Other issues with the water system include such low water pressure at the Louis Armstrong International Airport that public restrooms were unusable. Officials reported that portable toilets and hand sanitizer were being brought in to the airport.
At a news conference Thursday morning, Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni said it was the first time since Hurricane Katrina that the parish has issued a boil water advisory. He asked residents to limit use so that the water system can restore its supply and build pressure.
Follow the parish on Twitter for the most up-to-date advisories.
-By Jenny Peterson, Associate News Editor, Biz New Orleans
