Flooding is one of the most pressing challenges New Orleans faces. The City of New Orleans is investing in detailed Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) drainage studies to better understand how water moves through our neighborhoods, where our drainage system is under strain, and which projects can most effectively reduce flood risk. These studies analyze rainfall, runoff, pipes, canals, pumps, and green infrastructure together so that future investments are based on data and reflect real conditions on the ground.
H&H studies provide the technical foundation for designing flood reduction solutions that are data-driven, community-informed, and eligible for state and federal funding. Each study advances equitable and cost-effective stormwater projects that align with the City’s Living with Water Plan and the Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, transitioning from broad planning concepts to neighborhood-specific recommendations.
This page serves as the central hub for all City-led H&H drainage study work. As studies are completed, final reports, maps, and recommended project lists will be posted here. As new studies begin, this page will share links to project pages, meeting materials, and opportunities for public input.
What is an H&H Study?
An H&H study uses computer models, field data, and community knowledge to answer core questions about neighborhood drainage, including:
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How rainfall and stormwater flow through streets, pipes, canals, and open spaces
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Where the system is most vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain events
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How gray infrastructure, like pipes and pumps, and green infrastructure, like parks and rain gardens, can work together
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Which projects will provide the greatest benefit in reducing flooding and improving overall system performance
These studies help the City prioritize projects, coordinate across departments, and pursue funding for construction and future upgrades.
What the Studies Include
Each study evaluates the drainage system within specific neighborhoods and pump station basins, including major and minor infrastructure. The process incorporates:
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Surveying major drainage structures (36 inches or larger)
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Updating the City’s existing PCSWMM hydrologic model
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Conducting public engagement and input
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Identifying problem areas and drainage “hot spots”
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Developing conceptual designs for high-impact projects
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Recommending a prioritized list of both green and gray infrastructure improvements, including estimated costs and maintenance needs
Together, these efforts result in site-specific, shovel-ready projects that reduce flood risk and improve overall drainage performance.
Completed Drainage Studies
The studies below are complete. Final documents and supporting materials will be posted as they become available.
West End Drainage Study
Status: Complete
This study evaluates drainage conditions in the West End area and identifies near term and long term improvements to reduce street flooding, coordinate with pump station operations, and integrate green infrastructure where possible.
Lakeview Drainage Study
Status: Complete
The Lakeview study analyzes how stormwater flows through the neighborhood’s streets, canals, and subsurface drainage network and recommends projects that can reduce localized flooding and improve system reliability.
Mid-City Drainage Study
Status: Complete
The Mid-City study focuses on ponding, street flooding, and capacity constraints, and outlines a suite of gray and green infrastructure projects designed to improve level of service during frequent and intense rain events.
Ongoing Drainage Studies
The City is currently completing additional H&H studies in priority areas. Each study has or will have its own project page with more detailed information and engagement materials.
Upper Ninth Ward Drainage Study
Status: In Progress
The Upper Ninth Ward study is assessing existing drainage system performance and flood risk across the neighborhood, with a focus on developing project concepts that can be advanced to design and construction.
Hung Dao Heritage Garden (Algiers) Drainage Study
Status: In Progress
This focused drainage study around the Hung Dao Heritage Garden is examining localized flooding issues and opportunities to pair drainage improvements with community open space and green infrastructure.