Sanitary Smoke Testing

Thursday, May 14, 2015
David A. Walter, PE, Director of Public Works/City Engineer

­­­­­­­City of Altoona residents are advised that the sewer lines within the City of Altoona will be tested using smoke starting May 18th, 2015 for approximately one week.  Click on the map below to view the proposed smoke testing areas.

The purpose of the smoke testing is to determine locations of clear water entering sanitary sewer lines. The smoke should not enter a building unless a leak is present. The presence of smoke in a home or building should be reported immediately to the personnel conducting the tests.  Please contact Ryan Falch with MSA Professional Services at (715) 651-1327 with any questions or concerns.

The smoke is non-toxic and harmless but may be irritating to nasal passages. Any smoke irritation will be temporary and should quickly disappear after exposure has ceased. Door hanger notification will be provided on a street-by-street basis 24 to 48 hours prior to the testing.  Persons with heart or respiratory ailments should plan to leave their homes during the test. To minimize the chance of smoke entering a home, water should be poured into all drains including floor drains, prior to the date of the test.

The results of the smoke testing will be used to determine what work is needed to improve the sewer collection system by reducing the amount of clear water currently entering the system.

Questions or Concerns
Ryan Falch | MSA Professional Services | 715-651-1327