Smoke Testing Scheduled on Evansville’s East Side
Over 2,000 properties are within the smoke-testing area
July 20, 2024
(Evansville, Ind.) – From July through early September, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) is partnering with Wessler Engineering to conduct smoke testing and sewer line inspections in several neighborhoods on Evansville’s East Side. The smoke testing is expected to continue for approximately 6-to-8 weeks, weather permitting.
More than 2,200 properties are within the smoke testing area roughly bounded the Lloyd Expressway to the north, Newburgh Road to the south, the Vanderburgh-Warrick County Line to the east and just west of Harrison High School. The evaluation is part of a study to reduce stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system in compliance with a federal consent decree. Areas on Evansville’s East Side were identified as a project for the study because of a high amount of rainwater entering the sewer system in those areas. (see attached smoke testing area map)
Smoke testing uses fans to blow simulated “smoke” into the sanitary sewer system. The smoke is highly visible so technicians can see it seeping out of broken and cracked sewer lines, eroded utility holes, and other sanitary sewer structures if there are defects.
During testing, smoke may also be seen coming from gutters, which may indicate they are connected to the city’s sewer system. The City of Evansville Municipal Code (Section 13.05.070) prohibits any stormwater, groundwater, roof runoff or subsurface drainage from discharging into the sanitary sewer system. Gutters, downspouts and sump pumps tied to the sewer system must be removed by the property owner.
Smoke testing is non-toxic and will not harm humans, pets or plants, or stain drapes, carpeting or other materials. Smoke should not enter buildings during testing. If smoke gets inside a building, it could be from a defect in the internal plumbing, such as a bad toilet seal or broken pipe. EWSU is not responsible for plumbing within homes and recommends contacting a plumber to investigate.
A dry water trap may also allow smoke to enter homes and building. If fixtures such as sinks, toilets or bathtubs have not been used for a while, EWSU recommends running water before smoke testing begins to make sure the traps are not dry. Bright orange door hangers notifying residents and businesses in the area about the smoke testing will be distributed 48 hours in advance of testing.
As part of this project, Wessler will seek to survey homeowners and schedule sump pump inspections within a smaller area roughly bounded by Lincoln Avenue to the north, Newburgh Road to the south, Fuquay Road to the east, and Park Plaza Drive to the west. Approximately 450 property owners within this area will receive a brief survey and a letter asking them to complete the information and schedule the inspection. (see attached sump pump inspection map)
For more information about the project, contact Wessler Engineering Project Manager Josh Hood at 812-205-7568, or EWSU Capital Projects Manager Mitch Ferguson at 812-421-2120 ext. 2273.
