Joseph Peychaud

The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans is the public utility responsible for providing water, sewerage, and drainage services to the city. The private company is based in New Orleans, LA. It is governed by an 11-member board of directors representing city officials, citizen members, and customer advocates. The utility operates customer service programs including billing, payments, leak and issue reporting, sanitation services, plumbing inspections, and meter management, and is advancing a city-wide smart metering program for remote readings and real-time water use tracking. It manages major infrastructure projects for flood control and water quality, such as the permanent canal closures & pumps project and a multi-year sewer system evaluation and rehabilitation program mandated by the EPA. The board implements a green infrastructure program for stormwater management and leads a public health initiative focused on lead awareness and service line replacement, including inventory, corrosion control, water testing, and replacement aligned with EPA regulations. The utility provides educational resources, lead testing kits, and water filter pitchers, and maintains transparency through online maps and updates. Community engagement is facilitated through a customer advisory committee and strategic planning efforts, with extensive online resources for residents to manage accounts and stay informed.