SBWNO identifies neighborhoods in initial lead water line replacement schedule

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) announced its initial schedule for lead water line replacement.

SWBNO Deputy General Superintendent Becca Johnsey gave a presentation to the SWBNO board Wednesday (Nov. 11), which identified neighborhoods that are expected to have contracts for lead water line inspection and replacement soon:

• Hollygrove
• Upper 9th Ward
• Westbank/Algiers
• Freret/Uptown
• Part of 7th Ward
• Central City
• Part of New Orleans East

LEAD LINE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE: @SWBNewOrleans leadership gave a presentation on its ongoing lead line replacement efforts.

It included a map and timeline for neighborhood specific work. @FOX8NOLA context: https://t.co/44cfdcibjx pic.twitter.com/N0VUm5M4tN

— Chris Joseph (@ChrisJosephNews) November 11, 2026

“This is an issue spread across the entire city, it’s not one neighborhood or one type of customer, they really are spread,” Johnsey said.

The presentation states the Upper 9th Ward can expect contractors to begin digging and inspecting pipes in the first quarter of 2027.

However, SWBNO conceded contractors will drive the schedule.

It also states Hollygrove is expected to start inspection and replacement construction in “early 2027.”

The utility is under a federal 2037 deadline to find and replace lead water lines on both public and private property.

Johnsey reported the utility is aiming to complete 1,500 lead water line replacements by July 2027 and 7,500 by July 2028.

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

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

Johnsey reported the utility has completed 19 line replacements at Orleans Parish schools and early childhood facilities, but aims to complete all replacements at schools by the end of 2027.

Katherine Prevost leads the Bunny Friend Neighborhood Association in the Upper 9th Ward.

SWBNO’s online map on water line materials shows the utility assumes the public water line to her property is made of lead.

It’s a similar story for much of her neighborhood.

“We purchase a lot of water and have it delivered to the house, bottled water. So we kind of try to make it safe inside the house for us,” she said.

Prevost acknowledged buying water is expensive, but said it’s necessary.

“We have a lot of seniors inside of the neighborhood and some of us have illnesses, autoimmune diseases,” she said.

She welcomed news of SWBNO’s schedule.

“I was so excited, really excited not to have that coming into the house anymore,” she said.

The SWBNO will require permission to replace lines on private property. Property owners can grant the utility permission online.

Prevost said she would not hesitate to let the utility onto her property.

“If it’s gonna fix the problem, fix the problem,” she said.

Residents can also request a lead water pitcher and/or testing kit on the utility’s website.

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