LOWER MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER INTRUSION

Emergency Information


Due to extended drought across the entire Mississippi River basin, the water levels of the lower Mississippi River are extremely low, allowing salt water from the Gulf of Mexico to come upstream. This phenomenon, known as saltwater intrusion, can affect local water supplies because many public drinking water systems in south Louisiana rely on fresh water from the Mississippi River. 

Regional, state, and federal partners are actively monitoring the situation and conducting water quality testing and analysis to provide regular updates to the general public and healthcare providers about impacts to water systems and necessary precautions. 

We encourage residents of the southeast Louisiana parishes affected by the saltwater intrusion to stay informed by signing up for local text alert systems.

NEWS ALERTS: NOV 9, 2023 - Latest saltwater wedge forecast released by USACE.

General FAQs

Saltwater Intrusion FAQ's
Saltwater Intrusion FAQ's - Printer Friendly
Saltwater Intrusion FAQ's - Spanish
Saltwater Intrusion FAQ's - Vietnamese

Healthcare FAQs

Healthcare Providers FAQ
Healthcare Providers FAQ - Printer Friendly
Infant Formula Mixing Safety
Infant Formula Mixing Safety - Printer Friendly

Pet FAQs

Water Safety for Pets
Water Safety for Pets - Printer Friendly

PARISH INFORMATION 


JEFFERSON PARISH:
  • JPAlert is a free service; however, your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive messages on your device.
  • You can sign up by texting JPALERT to 888777.
    • Spanish Spanish-speaking residents can text JPNOTICIAS to 888777.
  • For more information or to create an account, click here.
ORLEANS PARISH:
  • Register for alerts here or text NOLAREADY to 77295
    • To receive alerts in Spanish, text ESP to 77295 / Envíe ESP al 77295 para recibir alertas de emergencias en español
  • You can also download the Smart911 app to receive customized alerts and resources that may be available during all types of emergencies, including hurricane evacuations, extended power outages, flood events, and more.
    • Create a profile here.
  • Get more information here.


PLAQUEMINES PARISH:
  • Saltwater Intrusion Update - Oct 2nd
  • Water Distribution - Percy Griffin Community Center
    • September 23, 2023
      15535 Hwy 15, Davant, Louisiana
      8 am - 5 pm
      Distribution will occur weekly after the first distribution on Saturday, September 23, 2023. The weekly occurrence will take place Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. 
  • Water Distribution - Buras Fire Station
    • Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
      3519 Hwy 11, Buras, LA 70041
  • Water Distribution - Boothville-Venice Fire Station
    • Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM
      42661 Hwy 23, Venice, LA 70091
  • Plaquemines Parish Notification System (PPENS)
    • This system is a free reverse 911 system that will send a telephone message, text or email to advise you of an emergency situation in the Parish.
    • Up to three home and or mobile telephone numbers can be registered.
ST. BERNARD PARISH:
  • To sign up for alerts from the St. Bernard Parish Emergency Management Office, click here.

US ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS

Click the following links to view information.


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