Widespread flooding was reported across New Orleans today after a Lower Garden District man allegedly dropped his water bottle during a routine walk, overwhelming the city’s drainage system.
Water levels reached as high as .03″ to .05″ in several areas, according to early reports.
Todd Cheramie, the man whose water bottle fell to the pavement as he walked his dog, said he feels absolutely terrible about what’s happened.
“Burreaux [dog] saw a squirrel and took off. The leash caught my bottle, and that was it,” Cheramie said glumly. “New Orleans avoids hurricanes the last few years but still gets Todd. By the time I saw what was happening, it was too late. I’m sorry, y’all.”
The Sewerage & Water Board, which has been under intense criticism and scrutiny in recent years, said the system performed as expected.
“Our drainage system can handle a lot, but it has limits, and this was an unfortunate Act of God, er… Todd,” said Randy Hayman, executive director of the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, as he surveyed the devastation via the city’s new $16.7 million drone.
Officials confirmed all 99 pumps were available at the time, but were unable to keep pace with what officials classified as a “Level 1 spill.”
With the drainage system overwhelmed, city officials urged residents to remain cautious and prepare for several rounds of additional water bottle falls over the next few days, “just in case.”
“We don’t anticipate further drops, but we’re asking people to stay alert,” said Clark Apparatchik, a spokesperson for Mayor Helena Moreno.
Hayman added that the system leaves little room for error and requires full public cooperation.
“There is very little margin for error in the drainage system right now,” Hayman said. “That’s why we ask everyone to do their part in helping to keep the city from flooding.”
Hayman noted the agency can’t go through the motions without sufficient funding and urged residents to pay their bills on time, no matter their cost or accuracy.
“You can’t put a price on not flooding. But we can. We need everyone to pay up.”
City officials said they are monitoring the water levels, and residents are advised to avoid underpasses, low-lying areas, and the city of New Orleans in general.