METAIRIE – Water pressure has returned to normal at large office buildings, hospitals and the airport in Jefferson Parish as temperatures rose to the 50s Fahrenheit on Friday.
On Thursday, low water pressure from water line breaks resulted in toilets not flushing at several buildings in Jefferson Parish, including the Louis Armstrong Airport, Eustis Office Building on Veterans Avenue and two Ochsner Medical Center locations. The airport scrambled to bring in portable restrooms for passengers and staff.
On Friday morning, water pressure had returned to normal.
“Water service has been restored to Ochsner Medical Center – Jefferson Highway and Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner," said said Giselle Hecker, director of public relations at Ochsner Health System. "Both hospitals, as well as all other Ochsner hospitals and area clinics are operating under normal business hours. All elective surgeries and procedures, diagnostic imaging and lab appointments are on schedule today."
According to the Louis Armstrong airport's Twitter page, ​water pressure at the airport was restored overnight and all restrooms in the airport terminal are open.
Boil advisory remains in place for East Bank of Jefferson Parish
The East Bank of Jefferson Parish continues to be under a precautionary boil water advisory because of the loss of pressure in the distribution system due to the extremely high number of water line breaks caused by the hard freeze. According to the parish advisory, bacteriological samples must be collected and analyzed from the distribution system to assure the water meets potable water standards.
"The pressure will be restored as soon as possible. The entire process of restoration will take at least two to three days," the parish states.
What should residents do?
All residents are urged not to drink the water without boiling or disinfecting it first, or use bottled water. Boiled, disinfected, or bottled water should be used before drinking, ice making, brushing teeth, washing dishes and in food preparation until further notice.
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. Or 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.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
For more information, contact the Jefferson Parish Water Department at 504-838-4363.
-By Jenny Peterson, Associate News Editor, Biz New Orleans
