The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWB) began with a legislative act passed at the end of the 19th century. Over the next century and a quarter, the legislature has passed many more acts which concern the management, operation, and funding of the SWB.
The SWB has been responsible for providing clean water, sewage service, and storm water drainage since its early beginnings, but much has changed since then (even though some pumps have not).
Funding for the SWB comes from the New Orleans City Council. Governance is shared by the state legislature, the mayor, and the city council. Responsibility for drainage is split between the SWB and the city's Department of Public Works. This hybrid model can lead to problems.
