This was reported on NOLA .com 17 hrs ago. A ruptured water main near Grand Isle has cut off the barrier island's water supply as tourists begin arriving for Fourth of July festivities, prompting Jefferson Parish officials to urge residents there to conserve water.
The water line, which runs from Lafitte to Grand Isle, was apparently struck by a vessel this morning, Parish Councilman Chris Roberts said.
Parish officials have declared an "acute emergency" and are mobilizing parish crews and a private contractor to make repairs to the submerged line in Bayou Barataria. Crews won't be in place to begin making repairs until close to midnight, according to e-mails sent by parish administrators.
The town's water tower typically has a 24 to 36 hour supply of water, but the water is not expected to last that long as the island begins to fill up with tourists, Roberts said.
He said the parish is asking residents to reduce their water consumption and avoid watering lawns, washing cars and filling swimming pools.