Collision Between Balloon and Power Line in New Orleans Causes Boil Water Advisory for Large Area of City

A boil water advisory was issued for the East Bank of New Orleans and Algiers Point after a mylar balloon hit a power line near the Carrollton Water Treatment Plant, causing a brief power outage. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans switched to backup power and got additional pumps online, but the water pressure fell below safe levels, prompting the advisory. Over 90 samples need to be collected before the advisory can be lifted, potentially lasting until Thursday afternoon. Residents are urged to use boiled or bottled water, avoid swallowing water while showering, and wash hands with soap and water. Mylar balloons, commonly used during celebrations, have caused similar issues elsewhere, leading some states like California to plan a phase-out of the balloons by 2031. Mylar balloons are known to become tangled in power lines and cause power outages, prompting safety concerns. Officials are working to restore power and water pressure in the affected area, while collecting samples to ensure the safety of the water supply before lifting the advisory.

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