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Health officials issued a boil-water advisory for the Eastbank of Orleans Parish Sunday morning after a drop in system pressure.
Though water samples show no contamination, Mayor Mitch Landrieu says residents and businesses are advised to flush internal and external plumbing for several minutes before consuming any tap water.
A small fire in the boiler room of the facility on South Claiborne led to the loss of pressure early Sunday, according to Sewage and Water Board officials.
Though pressure was restored by noon for most of the city, the loss of pressure meant the threat of bacteria entering the system of pipes throughout the city.
The entire east bank of Orleans depends upon the antique pumping facility on South Claiborne near the parish line. Much of Orleans and Jefferson parishes also depend upon the pumping station for flood drainage.
The century-old pumps require a special grade of electricity available only by generator. Problems with the generator in the past have led to similar boil-water notices in recent years.
