Home / Environment / Lead Pipes Plague New Orleans Homes
Lead Pipes Plague New Orleans Homes
21 Feb
Summary
- Lead detected in water of most tested homes on Congress Street.
- About 60% of households in a city water testing program had lead.
- Replacing lead pipes will take years and cost about $1 billion.
Lead contamination is a significant public health concern in New Orleans, with extensive testing revealing lead in the water supply of numerous homes. On Congress Street in the Upper Ninth Ward, lead was detected in all but one of the eight households tested. City-wide data indicates that approximately 60% of households participating in the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (S&WB) water testing program between September 2022 and May 2025 showed lead presence, often exceeding recommended limits.
The S&WB, operating one of the oldest water systems on the Gulf Coast, faces the immense challenge of replacing its lead pipes, some dating back over a century. This extensive undertaking is estimated to cost around $1 billion and is projected to take until 2037. Despite compliance with current federal standards, experts warn these standards do not fully protect residents, and the city is working to accelerate pipe replacement efforts, with some initial work focused on schools and daycares.
Lead exposure, even at low levels, poses serious health risks, particularly for children, impacting brain development. For adults, it can contribute to high blood pressure, kidney issues, and heart disease. The contamination stems from lead pipes within homes and the city's aging infrastructure. Efforts to address the issue are ongoing, with the S&WB seeking to expedite contract awards for pipe replacement, though significant financial and logistical hurdles remain.
