Emergency Updates

SALT WATER INTRUSION UPDATE

October 6, 2023

1:00 p.m.

Dear Dillard Community,

We are writing to provide a crucial update regarding the saltwater wedge in the Mississippi River and its potential impact on the Greater New Orleans area. Yesterday, we received encouraging news during a press conference held by the US Army Corps of Engineers and other officials. The announcement stated that efforts to slow and stop the impact have been successful, and there is now potential for no impact on the East Bank of New Orleans.

We would like to highlight the key points:

1. Water in New Orleans remains safe for all purposes, and there is no need to change travel plans.

2. The efforts to slow the saltwater wedge’s impact on New Orleans have proven effective.

3. Any potential impact, if it occurs, is now projected for late November, not late October as originally anticipated.

4. Current projections indicate a potential for no impact on the East Bank of New Orleans, which includes the French Quarter, downtown and convention districts, and the majority of Orleans Parish residential neighborhoods.

5. Solutions are in place to address any impact on the West Bank of Orleans Parish, such as Algiers and Algiers Point.

At Dillard University, our priority is to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students have the latest information about the potential impact on our water system. We remain diligent in monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as they become available. Visit Nola Ready for further information.