Dupage Policy Journal

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system to identify leaks and connections where stormwater can enter is scheduled to begin the week of June 26 in several neighborhoods south of 75th Street. Testing is expected to be complete by the end of September, pending weather or unforeseen circumstances.

During smoke testing, air combined with non-toxic smoke is forced into sewer lines. Testing crews can see smoke coming out of the ground where there are defects in the lines. Smoke testing helps prevent inconvenient and expensive sanitary sewer backups and identifies roof drains, patio drains and footing drains that are connected to the sewer system.

The smoke used during testing is non-toxic, creates no fire hazard, leaves no residue, dissipates quickly and is harmless; however, those with respiratory issues may wish to take extra precautions, such as leaving the area for a few hours until testing is complete. Smoke will not enter buildings unless there is defective plumbing or dried-up drain traps. It is expected – and normal – for smoke to come out of the sewer vent stack on the roof of a building during the test. Door hanger cards will be posted at affected properties immediately prior to testing, and the public can expect to see signs at intersections when crews are testing nearby.

For details about sanitary sewer smoke testing and a map of affected areas, visit naperville.il.us/smoketest. For more information about the City of Naperville, visit naperville.il.us. To sign up for the City’s notification system Naper Notify and receive important emergency and community information via a phone call, text message, email or smartphone app, visit napernotify.com.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us. 

Original source can be found here.