New Orleans Seeks More Control Over Water System

City Council legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability at Sewerage and Water Board.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:10am

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A detailed, photorealistic painting of an old, rusted water valve on a cracked concrete sidewalk, with warm, golden sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, capturing a sense of urban decay and the need for infrastructure reform.As New Orleans seeks more control over its aging water infrastructure, the city's long-standing challenges with transparency and accountability at the Sewerage and Water Board come into focus.New Orleans Today

The city of New Orleans is pushing for more control over its water and drainage systems through a new bill in the state legislature. Mayor Helena Moreno says the legislation would give the City Council more oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board, which has faced issues with aging infrastructure and a lack of transparency. However, some board members worry the changes could hurt the agency's credit rating as it seeks funding for critical repairs.

Why it matters

New Orleans' water infrastructure has long been a point of contention, with frequent boil-water advisories and concerns about the Sewerage and Water Board's management. This legislation represents an effort by the city to take more control over a vital public service that has struggled with accountability.

The details

House Bill 573, sponsored by Metairie Republican Stephanie Hilferty, would grant the New Orleans City Council more say in Sewerage and Water Board affairs. Mayor Moreno says the bill would improve transparency and ensure the agency is "getting the job done right." But some board members fear the changes could create uncertainty and hurt the board's credit rating as it seeks funding for aging water main repairs.

  • The House Municipal Affairs Committee is set to take up the legislation this Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Helena Moreno

The mayor of New Orleans who is personally advocating for the legislation to give the city more control over the Sewerage and Water Board.

Stephanie Hilferty

The Metairie Republican state representative who has sponsored the bill to increase the New Orleans City Council's oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board.

Sewerage and Water Board

The public utility agency that manages New Orleans' water and drainage systems, which has faced criticism over aging infrastructure and lack of transparency.

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What’s next

The House Municipal Affairs Committee is set to take up House Bill 573 this Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This legislation represents an effort by the city of New Orleans to exert more control over its water infrastructure, which has long been plagued by issues of aging pipes, lack of transparency, and accountability concerns at the Sewerage and Water Board. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for the future management and funding of this vital public utility.