Smoke Testing the Sewer System

Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009

City officials are hoping the rains will stop for a bit to allow the soils to dry some.

Madison Public Works Director Heath Voneye says a consultant will attempt to do some testing of part of the city's sewer system by blowing smoke up the sewer lines in the northeast part of town.

Voneye says they would like to start the process on July 27th.

He says the procedure works much better when soils are dry.

The city is trying to reduce the amount of water that leaks into the system when it rains.

Voneye says the smoke allows the consultant to find leaks and some other problems in the sewer system.

Voneye says the smoke that is used is safe and will not cause health problems for people who might get some of the smoke into their home.