BlueConduit has been hired to provide technical support in the development of an online, interactive lead service line map for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). The News Orleans Water Service Line Map will allow city residents to learn the known or likely composition of their home water pipes.
New Orleans, like many cities with initiatives in the works to combat lead pipe, currently lacks a comprehensive map that identifies the location of its lead service lines (LSLs).
In addition to allowing residents to view the current pipe materials in use at their homes, the new map will also allow residents to access information about pipe inspections and access resources for steps they can take to protect themselves and their families if their homes have lead service lines.
According to BlueConduit, the map is one step in ensuring the city’s compliance with the U.S. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions before the October 16, 2024 deadline. It also supports the Biden
administration’s goals of eliminating lead from the nation’s water supply.
“The essential first step in ‘getting the lead out’ is to locate the lead, and in a city as old as New Orleans, that task is complicated,” said Eric Schwartz, BlueConduit co-founder and co-CEO. “BlueConduit is proud to provide the data science, analytics and innovative technology behind this effort to prioritize New Orleans’ residents who are most vulnerable and at risk for lead exposure.”
Along with BlueConduit, multiple other partners are involved including:
- The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans, Total Community Action and Civic Studio are leading a corresponding public engagement program, including education, map access and community input.
- WE ACT for Environmental Justice and the Natural Resources Defense Council will provide funding support and connect New Orleans with other cities that have done this work, and learn best practices. Google.org is providing funding for the work of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, NRDC, and BlueConduit.
