New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board
625 St. Joseph
New Orleans, LA 70165

Notable for: most advanced low-lift drainage pump in use in the early 20th century, later used worldwide

More about . . .
With a water table several feet below ground level, New Orleans faced a crisis after every heavy rainfall, not just through flooding but also through disease (yellow fever and malaria) caused by impure water. New Orleans was dependent on mechanical means for lifting water from its canals and sewage systems.

A. Baldwin Wood (1879-1956), a young assistant city engineer, designed and installed a system of large screw pumps (axial flow machines) to syphon water and accelerate drainage. By 1915 the Wood screw pump became the most advanced drainage pump in use. After their successful operation in New Orleans, Wood's pumps were built in the Netherlands, Egypt, China, and India. Wood also redesigned Chicago's drainage system.

Visiting Info: Contact the Water Board for an appointment and security clearance, through the Community and Intergovernmental Relations office: 504-585-2169

Ceremony Notes:
June 1974

Comments from Visitors/Members:
Landmark is intact. Joseph Sullivan was also still there (2002).

Image: Screw pump under construction.
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