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City of Duluth to conduct diagnostic test of sanitary sewer system in Lakeside neighborhood

[Duluth, MN] - The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities will be undertaking an initiative to eliminate extraneous clear water from the sanitary sewer system by running a diagnostic test to check for proper pipe connections, conditions and is a process to study inflow and infiltration. A smoke testing survey will be conducted in some homes in the Lakeside neighborhood and will occur between October 11th and November 3, 2017. For this diagnostic test, smoke will be introduced into the sanitary sewer system to identify flaws in the sewer pipes or locate illegal or inadvertent connections with storm drains. The smoke is intended to fill the sanitary sewer system and will release from such cross connections and piping flaws.  

As a result, smoke can potentially enter homes and buildings through dry or infrequently used plumbing. Although the smoke is non-toxic and non-staining, it can be emit a slight odor and can be an irritant to some people if inhaled.

Property owners can do the following to prepare for the smoke test:

1)    Pour water down any infrequently used floor drains, sink drains or toilets to fill the plumbing traps with water before 8:00 AM, October 11 2017.

2)    In the event that smoke is entering your home, office or building from a drain during the test period, immediately pour water into the drain to seal it off and ventilate the building to disperse the smoke.  If you cannot locate the source of the smoke, please notify the fire department right away.

Your cooperation will help the City of Duluth to remedy any potential problems within the sanitary sewer system and will help ensure a reliable system for residents.

Residents with questions should contact Phil Lockett, the City’s consultant with MSA Professional Services, Inc. at 218-348-9161.


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