Here's what Jefferson Parish needs to know about saltwater threat to local drinking supplies - NOLA.com

What to know about the saltwater wedge in Jefferson Parish | Jefferson Parish | nola.com

With salt water continuing to creep up the Mississippi River, potentially posing a threat to the drinking supplies for some Louisianans in coming days and weeks, Jefferson Parish officials have urged residents to remain calm and heed local officials as they work to manage the situation.

“It’s important for residents in Jefferson Parish to understand that our water is currently safe to drink,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng in a news release late last week. “We continue to help our neighbors in Plaquemines Parish as they are being impacted by this."

The parish has supplied 100,000 gallons of water to parts of Plaquemines Parish that have already been impacted, and the parish has the capacity to supply 7 million gallons per day through two waterlines to the West Bank.

How is Jefferson Parish monitoring the situation?

A parish water laboratory monitors the chloride level of water as it is pulled from the river and treated before it goes into the drinking supply. The chloride level indicates the amount of salt in the water.

On Friday, chloride levels were 40.90 milligrams per liter on the east bank and 47.11 milligrams per liter on the West Bank, well within the standard for drinking water, which is 250 milligrams per liter, according to a parish news release.

These measurements happens daily. If unsafe chloride levels are detected, the Louisiana Department of Health and Jefferson Parish Water Department will issue an advisory, Jefferson Parish officials said.

Salty water is weeks away

In a Facebook post, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto asked constituents not to panic or stock up on bottled water, noting that any impact to Jefferson Parish is weeks away.

He said that any bottled water shortage exists only in local stores, and is caused by residents panic buying water. Delivering more water from other areas shouldn't be an issue if supplies run low.

"To anyone that needs to be reassured, my wife included, there is no need to panic to find bottled water," Lopinto said.

"You will likely go to the grocery store several times over the next few weeks for your normal supplies," he wrote. "If they have water, grab a case or two if it makes you happy. There is no need to spend your entire weekend on a water search. Enjoy the LSU and Saints games. Conserve your water supply and drink beer instead."

When would it affect me?

Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers released a timeline that projected when drinking water would be impacted by the salt intrusion.

According to those projections here is when areas of Jefferson Parish could be impacted:

- Gretna: Oct. 24
- West Jefferson: Oct. 25
- Westwego: Oct. 26
- East Jefferson: Oct. 29