Balloon Blamed For Water Pressure Drop, Boil Water Advisory In New Orleans

The area currently under a boil water advisory by the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans .

Photo: SWBNO

Nearly the entire city of New Orleans is under a boil water notice.

There was a sudden and severe pressure loss in the pipes last night due to a power failure at a water treatment plant after a metallic balloon hit a power line. The surge caused pumps to be tripped offline.

Crews switched to backup power but it was too late. The pressure dropped, triggering the boil water notice.

The city is asking residents to boil their water or use bottled water until at least Thursday.