BonnerSprings.com

Smoke testing will be conducted on sanitary sewers Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the areas of southwest Front Street, Second Street and Neconi Avenue and north to Kump Avenue between Nettleton and Park. Smoke testing will also be done to the sanitary sewer on Linda Lane and Lakewood, between Morse and Metropolitan avenues.

The work is being performed by the utilities department to determine locations where groundwater might be entering the sanitary sewer system. This additional water, especially during rain events, creates excessive flows into the city’s sewer system, pump stations and wastewater treatment facility.

Once the utilities department identifies these sources of groundwater entrance, repairs will be made to eliminate the inflows and reduce operation costs.

On the day of testing, homeowners are asked to fill any basement floor or unused drains with water. During testing, department staff will walk through the neighborhoods to attempt to detect any smoke resurfacing over sewer line routes or from homes or businesses. Smoke rising from a residence would be from the plumbing roof vents, which are commonly installed on all buildings or from downspout gutters that are improperly connected to the sanitary sewers.

The smoke that is caused is harmless; people shouldn’t panic if they notice any smoke, but only call the utilities department at (913) 422-8117 or City Hall at (913) 422-1020.

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