New Orleans City Council Seeks Expanded Oversight of Sewerage and Water Board

Proposed legislation aims to improve accountability and responsiveness of the utility

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:07pm

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A cinematic painting of an old, rundown water pump station in New Orleans, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the weathered concrete structure.A crumbling water infrastructure facility in New Orleans serves as a symbol of the city's ongoing struggle to maintain its aging utility systems.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans City Council is pushing for a new bill, House Bill 573, that would give them expanded oversight and decision-making power over the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO). Currently, any changes to SWBNO require approval from the state legislature, which meets only once a year and may not be as familiar with the city's specific needs. The proposed legislation would allow the City Council to make decisions regarding SWBNO's budget, contracting, project delivery, and consumer protections throughout the year as issues arise.

Why it matters

The Sewerage and Water Board has long been plagued by infrastructure issues, including frequent water main breaks, that have frustrated New Orleans residents. This bill is seen as a first step towards improving the utility's accountability and responsiveness to local concerns, rather than relying on the state legislature which meets infrequently.

The details

Introduced by Louisiana Representative Stephanie Hilferty, House Bill 573 would grant the New Orleans City Council expanded oversight and decision-making power over the Sewerage and Water Board. Currently, any changes to SWBNO require approval from the state legislature, which meets only once a year. Under the proposed legislation, the City Council would be able to enact ordinances to address SWBNO issues and make necessary changes throughout the year, without having to wait for the state legislative session.

  • House Bill 573 will be heard by the State House Local and Municipal Committee on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The Louisiana state legislature meets once a year, making it difficult for the City of New Orleans to quickly address Sewerage and Water Board issues.

The players

Helena Moreno

The Mayor of New Orleans, who has made improving the Sewerage and Water Board a top legislative priority.

Stephanie Hilferty

A Louisiana state representative who introduced House Bill 573 to grant the New Orleans City Council more oversight of the Sewerage and Water Board.

Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO)

The utility responsible for the city's water and sewerage infrastructure, which has faced numerous issues and a lack of accountability.

New Orleans City Council

The local governing body that would gain expanded oversight and decision-making power over the Sewerage and Water Board under the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“People in the City of New Orleans deserve better than endless water main breaks with no real plan to address the problem and no real way to hold SWBNO accountable.”

— Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans

“HB 573 empowers the city council to enact ordinances to address issues and fix them without having to wait around for the state legislative season.”

— Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans

What’s next

House Bill 573 will be heard by the State House Local and Municipal Committee on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. If passed, the legislation would then move to a vote by the full state legislature.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents an effort by the City of New Orleans to gain more direct control and accountability over the Sewerage and Water Board, a utility that has long struggled with infrastructure issues and a lack of responsiveness to local concerns. By granting the City Council expanded oversight, the bill aims to empower local officials to address problems more quickly, rather than relying on the state legislature which meets infrequently.