LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Utilities department has shut off water to LaPlace because of an emergency at the Ruddock water well. Water towers have been locked out of the system so that the parish can provide adequate fire protection.

Paige Falgoust, spokesperson for St. John said rising water levels in Lake Pontchartrain prompted the decision in order to prevent contamination of the system. There is currently no timetable for the water pressure to return.

Braud said the parish is working with the National Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the water out of the area.

Although there are no issues anywhere else on the east bank of the parish, Braud said the parish has asked residents of Reserve, Garyville and Mt. Airy to conserve water until further notice. Refrain from washing clothes, running dishwashers, filling tubs, and any other activities requiring heavy water use. There are currently no issues with water on the west bank.

The high water has also forced the closure of Peavine Road, Frenier Road, I-55 at the Ruddock exit.