October 21, 2016 – Beginning Monday, October 24 through Friday, November 4, the City of Midland’s Wastewater Department will be performing smoke testing in parts of the city to survey Midland’s sanitary sewer system.
Smoke testing helps crews locate breaks and defects in the system as well as areas that allow storm water to unnecessarily enter the sanitary sewer system. The smoke, which may come from eaves, yard drains, and catch basins, is non-toxic, non-staining, and harmless to people, animals, and plants. In the rare occasion that test smoke appears in a home through a faulty drain or improper trap, residents are encouraged to call 911 to evaluate the source of the smoke and determine if additional intervention is necessary to prevent sewer gas from entering the home.
Residents living in the testing area will receive a flier on their doors on Monday, October 24. Notified residents are asked to pour water into floor and sink drains to ensure traps are full and help prevent sewer gases or odors from entering their homes. In some instances, crews may need to enter residents’ backyards to locate sewer lines or manholes; however, homeowners do not need to be present for the testing to occur. Click here to view a full-size map of the planned testing area.
For more information or questions, please contact the Wastewater Department at 989-837-3500.
