NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Louisiana Department of Health has awarded the Sewer and Water Board of New Orleans millions to investigate the city's water line. SWBNO officials report that through the Louisiana Department of Health’s Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund, $86 million was awarded on Dec. 13, 2024, to inspect the city's water service lines for lead and to replace the lines. LDH officials said the inspection is a part of the EPA's "get the lead out" initiative to identify all lead pipes by 2037. Woman accused of driving through St. Augustine’s band practice arrested Funds will be used by environmental engineers to "pothole" and "scrape" lines that connect about 140,000 customer homes and businesses to city mains. They will also pay for the removal and replacement of some service lines. “This is the state’s largest Lead Service Line project awarded to date, and it is unique in that funding is being awarded for the actual replacement of lead-contaminated lines,” said LDH Deputy Chief Engineer Dan MacDonald, P.E., MBA. SWBNO officials said they began the application process almost a year ago. "The SWBNO is determined to provide safe, lead-free drinking water while continuing to prioritize sensitive and disadvantaged populations. This funding will provide a start to that vast effort," SWBNO Lead Line Replacement Program Manager Felicia Bergeron. Victim assistance provided at Family Justice Center in Jan. 1 attack She added that approximately 10% of the water system replacement improvement needs will be covered by the funds. "The city’s schools, nursing homes, daycares and early learning centers will be prioritized for lead line investigations and replacements," said Bergeron. A timeline for replacing lines to residences and other businesses and institutions will be announced after the inventory process is completed. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts The Memo: Trump-Newsom feud ramps up as Los Angeles fires rage on Covington man sentenced in child pornography case Rain and wind then cooler to start the weekend As wildfires burn in LA, what to know about protective masks Four historic Shreveport Streets named after Texas Revolution leaders