Smoke Testing in Downtown Sewers - July 29 through August 1

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Beginning Tuesday, July 29, at 8:00 a.m., Columbia Public Works Sewer Utility personnel will begin smoke testing sewers in a portion of downtown. The smoke testing will conclude around 2:00 p.m. each day. The smoke testing is scheduled to conclude by Friday, August 1.

The testing will begin with the sewer located in Waugh Street and proceed west towards 6th Street. The sewers that will be smoke tested are located in the streets and alleys listed below:

The alley south of Broadway from 6th Street to Hitt.

Broadway between 8th Street and 9th Street.

Broadway between 10th Street and Waugh.

8th Street from Broadway south to the alley (Alley A).

10th Street from Broadway south to the alley (Alley A).

Waugh Street from Broadway south approximately 325 feet.

The purpose of the smoke testing is to identify sources of inflow and infiltration into the sewer system.  A smoke that is specifically manufactured for smoke testing sanitary sewers is blown into the sewer system to perform the test, this smoke is non-toxic.

Improper connections and defects in the sewer system can be identified as the smoke will leak out at these locations.  It is possible that smoke may leak into a building due to problems with the interior plumbing, through a dry trap, defective wax ring under a toilet, vents terminated in an attic or a missing cleanout plug. Business owners in the area of the smoke testing have been notified or are in the process of being notified. 

Motorist and non-motorized transportation users may notice smoke from manholes and vents in the alleys and roadways however it is no cause for alarm.