Sewerage and Water Board brings backup turbine online, Turbine 4 testing underway [Video]

NEW ORLEANS — With heavy rains expected to sweep across the city on Monday, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans said it is ready to handle increased rainfall throughout the day.

The S&WB said Turbine 5 is already up and running along with “key” EMDs (electro-mechanical generators). Turbine 6 is on standby in anticipation of high winds that could present power loss. The department also said drinking water pumps and other critical operations have backup power of 60Hz also available.

The 120-year-old Turbine 4 is currently undergoing testing as crews attempt to bring it online to provide additional power to the drainage system if needed. 

Additional essential employees have also been scheduled to work through Tuesday.

“We have been in coordination with the Department of Public Works and New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness,” the S&WB release stated. “Parking restrictions have been lifted until Tuesday, March 5 …