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BELLE CHASSE, La. -- Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a State of Emergency for Plaquemines Parish Wednesday as the parish deals with drinking water issues from a saltwater intrusion.
A salt wedge is moving up river because of historic low levels of water on the Mississippi River, which is affecting the parish's water supply.
"As Plaquemines parish responds to a salt water wedge moving up the Mississippi River, state agencies are working together to assist the parish by providing water and expediting water quality testing for barges that are being brought in to supplement the parish’s water supply," said a statement from the Governor's Office.
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is delivering 30,000 bottles of water to the parish.
The parish is sending barges upriver above the intrusion to collect water and deliver it to areas in the southern Plaquemines Parish impacted by the salt wedge. The Department of Health and Hospitals will test the water from barges, ensuring it is safe and meets federal Safe Drinking Water Standards.
The parish has called a drinking water advisory for residents.
