Smoke testing of sanitary sewer lines to detect leaks starts Monday, Aug. 12 and is expected to continue through the month.

The area targeted for testing is inside the boundaries of North Murphy Road on the west, McCreary Road on the east, FM 544 on the south, and McMillan Road on the north. Testing of the several miles of sewer lines contained in the area starts at 8 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. each weekday, unless interrupted by inclement weather or other factors .

“We’re looking for defects, fissures, openings, cracks, and any other problems in the sewer lines,” says Public Services Director Tim Rogers. “The main sewer lines, just like the sewer pipes in drains and toilets inside homes, should maintain their structural integrity to avoid leakage, and to prevent the introduction of rainwater or other substances which may cause blockages.”

The process calls for technicians to force a specially-formulated mist that uses moisture from the atmosphere into the lines and observe for the tell-tale wafting of the vapor. If leaks are identified, a work order will be issued to investigate the leaks further and repair them as soon as possible.

For the full story, see the Aug. 1 issue or subscribe online.

By Joe Reavis • [email protected]