News Summary

New Orleans is wrestling with significant flooding issues following heavy rainfall on Monday. Clogged catch basins, now managed by the Sewerage and Water Board, are contributing to stagnant water across the metro area. With over 77,000 catch basins, the SWBNO has only managed to clean about 1% this year. Residents have expressed frustration over the persistent flooding, and there’s a growing call for community involvement in maintaining these vital drainage systems amid staffing shortages.

New Orleans Faces Big Water Woes After a Rainy Monday

New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and festive spirit, is grappling with an all-too-common issue—flooded streets after heavy rains. Following a substantial downpour on Monday, many areas, particularly streets in the metro region, found themselves under a blanket of stagnant water. Residents have shared their frustrations, expressing concern about how the rainwater seems to stick around far longer than it should.

Clogged Catch Basins: The Culprit Behind the Puddles

So, what’s the big problem, you ask? The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) has identified the key issue as clogged catch basins, which are meant to channel rainwater away from the streets. With the changing seasons, the live oak trees are shedding their leaves, and unfortunately, those beautiful leaves are causing quite a headache. Streets like St Phillip have a particularly tough time, where residents have repeatedly pointed out that the catch basins are often blocked.

Who’s Responsible for the Cleanup?

The responsibility of keeping these catch basins clean has shifted recently. Once managed by the city’s Department of Public Works, it now falls on the shoulders of the SWBNO. This means they are tasked with the massive job of looking after about 77,000 catch basins and managing an astounding 8 million linear feet of storm drain lines. However, despite their best efforts, the SWBNO has only managed to clean about 1% of the catch basins so far this year—approximately 700. This translates to about 70,000 to 80,000 linear feet of those essential drain lines being flushed out.

The Leafy Challenge

As leaves continue to fall from the live oaks during this season, they contribute to even more blockages, particularly in areas that are heavily shaded by trees. Maintaining these catch basins isn’t a walk in the park for the SWBNO. The Superintendent has pointed out that the catch basins that are nestled under heavy tree coverage are the dirtiest and hardest to keep up with. And for residents, this means more requests for urgent maintenance are piling up, with thousands of locations still waiting for their turn for service.

A Call for Resident Engagement

In light of the growing backlog, officials are encouraging residents to lend a hand by clearing debris from in front of their catch basins. However, this suggestion hasn’t sat well with everyone. Some locals, like Doug Guidry, believe that it shouldn’t be on the shoulders of residents to handle the upkeep of municipal drainage systems. It’s certainly a point of contention, and one that has sparked conversations in neighborhoods across the city.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Challenges

The SWBNO has set its sights on a larger goal this year—aiming to clean between 10% and 15% of the drainage system. With around 72,000 catch basins in total needing regular maintenance, the path forward isn’t just about cleaning alone. By July 2024, the Department of Public Works was able to clean 5,055 catch basins and flush over 7,000 linear feet of drain lines, managing to clean about 320 catch basins each month.

The Financial Boost from the American Rescue Plan Act

If there’s any silver lining, it’s the boost from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Much-needed funding will help cover the cleanup of an estimated 750,000 linear feet of drain lines and their connected catch basins. Though they have made progress with cleaning about 550 linear feet of drain lines and around 4,600 catch basins, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Additionally, a whopping nearly 2,947,080 pounds of waste has been pulled from drainage systems, showcasing the ongoing challenge.

Staffing Shortages: A Roadblock to Efficiency

Unfortunately, there are hurdles ahead. Staffing shortages at the Department of Public Works have hindered progress, making it tough to keep maintenance up to pace and efficient. The collaboration between SWBNO and the Department is currently focusing on better management of these vital drainage systems.

Community Voices: Feeling the Impact

While there are challenges, the impact of cleanup efforts is being felt in the community. Residents have expressed relief after nearby catch basins have been cleaned, noting that since then, flooding in their neighborhoods has notably decreased. Hope remains that with concerted efforts, New Orleans can tackle this pressing issue and ensure its streets stay as vibrant and lively as its spirit.