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News Rele a Smoke Testing <br /> June 10, 1 94 <br /> Page 2 <br /> Aft r smoke is blown into a sewer line, crew members watch for tell-tale signs of <br /> <br /> 'I <br /> deteriorate lines or improper connections. White smoke rising from the ground generally <br /> indicates a crack or other defect in a sewer line. Smoke coming from a roof or area drain <br /> indicates t at a storm drain is improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system. <br /> Det riorated sewer lines and improper stormwater connections cause a problem called <br /> inflow and infiltration. The region's wastewater collection and treatment system is designed <br /> to carry o ly so much water and sewage. Inflow and infiltration of stormwater runoff and <br /> j groundwat r can overload the system, increasing the difficulty and cost of transporting and <br /> I <br /> treating w tewater. <br /> Ifs oke testing reveals a defect in the public portion of the wastewater collection <br /> system, th defect is corrected as soon as possible. If a major problem is discovered, funds <br /> are includ d in future capital improvement programs to correct the problem. <br /> Ifs oke testing identifies a stormwater connection prohibited in the City code, such <br /> as a roof d ain connected to the sanitary sewer, the property owner is notified and is required <br /> to correct a problem. If the testing indicates a defect in the private portion of the sewer <br /> (usually in the line that connects the building to the public sewer), the owner is notified of <br /> potential p oblems with the. sewer, and repair or replacement of the defective line is <br /> recommen ed. <br /> Re 'dents with questions about the City's smoke-testing program can call the Public <br /> I <br /> Works Ma ntenance Division at 687-5220. <br /> # # # <br /> <br />