June 13, 2022: Water undergoes purification at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, in a photo captured by Sophia Germer for NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate.
May 10,2024 Story by:Editor
The Louisiana Department of Health has disclosed the final water ratings for approximately 1,280 water systems across the state, spotlighting one in New Orleans that received a concerning evaluation.
The east bank water system, managed by the Sewerage and Water Board, received a D grade in 2023, a decline from its previous C grade in 2022, as per LDH. The department cited the system’s failure to file mandatory reports and its persistent operational and maintenance issues as key factors contributing to the downgrade.
Meanwhile, the west bank system in Algiers maintained its B grade from the previous assessment period.
The D rating for the Carrollton plant stems from various issues, notably federal water quality violations and lapses in customer satisfaction. The plant’s failure to comply with an administrative order in 2023 and its omission of a water complaint log for two consecutive years led to deductions in its customer satisfaction rating. Moreover, unresolved deficiencies in infrastructure, operations, and maintenance, along with the absence of an acceptable rate study or implementation of adequate rates, further impacted its score. However, the east bank system avoided deductions related to the presence of secondary containments like iron or manganese.
Operational Challenges and Community Impact
The decline in the east bank water system’s grade, from C in 2022 to D in 2023, is troubling for many New Orleans residents, particularly those in African American communities. Persistent operational and maintenance issues, along with administrative failures, have exacerbated the situation. These challenges not only affect the reliability and sustainability of the water system but also reflect broader systemic issues that disproportionately impact minority neighborhoods.
Importance for African American Communities
For African American communities in New Orleans, access to safe and reliable water is crucial. The D grade for the east bank water system underscores the need for immediate and equitable infrastructure improvements. Historical neglect and inadequate investment in predominantly African American areas have long-term repercussions on health and quality of life. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure that all residents, regardless of their neighborhood, have access to clean and safe water.
Efforts and Advocacy
S&WB spokesperson Grace Birch’s reassurance about the safety of the drinking water is a positive note, but the community demands more than just assurances. Effective corrective actions and increased transparency are necessary steps towards rebuilding trust. Moreover, the involvement of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) in addressing low-performing water systems through enforcement and upgrades is a crucial measure. Community advocacy and awareness will be vital in holding authorities accountable and ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to improve water infrastructure in all neighborhoods, particularly those historically underserved.
Moving forward, LDH plans to address low-performing water systems through enforcement measures, system upgrades, or consolidation with more efficient systems, utilizing loans or grants as necessary. The department will also notify relevant state commissions and the attorney general regarding low scores. Source: nola
