SWBNO expects to begin ‘major’ lead water line replacements in early 2027

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - In a statement, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) confirmed it plans to begin “major construction” on lead water line replacement in early 2027.

The utility is currently under a federal 2037 deadline to replace all lead water lines in the city, both on public and private property.

The CDC reports lead can damage the brains and development of children.

SWBNO Executive Director Randy Hayman has estimated more than a half of the water lines in the city are made of lead.

The utility offers an interactive map to show customers what it knows about water line composition near them.

SWBNO Deputy General Supt. of Water Programs Becca Johnsey said the work will initially focus on areas where there’s a high density of lead and where residents are most vulnerable.

She said that information will be made publicly available in contracts for the work in the coming weeks.

“We’re finalizing (first locations),” she said.

She said work on private property will require property owner approval, including through a right-of-entry form (offered online) to inspect the piping.

Johnsey said the inspection would take 20-30 minutes.

She estimated a pipe replacement would take up to a day, depending on complexity.

If a street is torn up as part of the replacement, she said a temporary paving is required with 24 hours and a final paving within 45 days.

“The street will be passable at the end of the day of work,” she said.

SWBNO has faced criticism for the speed of its work.

Johnsey said SWBNO will be required to ask for owner permission four different ways, but the final call for work rests with the property owner.

“If they do not allow us to do the work, then we will be moving on to the next location,” she said.

In the meantime, Louisiana voters are currently weighing whether or not to approve a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to pay for lead line replacement on private property.

State Sen. Royce Duplessis (D-New Orleans) successfully got the vote on the ballot and supports the proposed change.

He said the constitutional amendment will help insulate SWBNO from any legal challenges to using the public funds at people’s private homes.

“It’s simple. This is about public health. This is about public safety. This is about clean drinking water,” he said.

He said he knows there may be concerns, but SWBNO will be working to replace the lead water lines regardless.

“We’re all frustrated with Sewage and Water Board, but that’s no reason to vote against this amendment,” he said.

Both he and Johnsey pointed a Louisiana Attorney General opinion which found SWBNO can replace water lines on customer property.

SWBNO offers water filter pitchers and lead testing kits on its website for eligible residents.

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