New Orleans
water solutions

New Orleans has hard water. Water in the city generally measures around 138 parts per million (ppm), meaning there’s mineral content in the water in New Orleans that can create scale buildup in pipes and appliances, such as dishwashers. This can negatively impact the lifespan of plumbing and water-based appliances if you don’t mitigate the issue with filtration systems or water softeners. You can use point-of-use solutions or whole-business solutions.

While New Orleans tap water generally meets federal and state safety standards for drinking, aging infrastructure in the Crescent City may introduce contaminants into water as it moves through pipes. That can include lead.

NOLA has large swathes of pipe infrastructure installed before World War II. While the city is actively working to upgrade infrastructure and address lead pipe issues, these issues may be a concern for businesses and others for some time. Installing a bottle-free water cooler offers filtration opportunities to ensure you provide clean, safe and refreshing drinking water for employees and visitors.

During a boil water advisory, it’s essential to boil tap water for 1 minute or more before drinking or using it for cooking, brushing teeth or washing food. Avoid using ice made from or washing dishes with unboiled tap water.

Boil water advisories usually last a day or more. Local authorities typically have to make repairs or correct safety issues and test the water to ensure it’s safe again. During that time, watch local news channels and check the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans website for updates.