honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 4:22 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2007

City to smoke test sewer lines in Waipahu for leaks

Advertiser Staff

Crews from the city Environmental Services Department will be smoke-testing sewer lines on Awamoku, Awaiki and Awanui streets in Waipahu from Tuesday through Friday this coming week and again from March 27 to 30.

The tests are part of the city's continuing effort to prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system. City crews will blow smoke into sewer lines and record where the smoke appears. The smoke used is nontoxic, harmless and odorless.

The smoke is not a fire hazard and does not pose a health hazard to humans or pets. Notification letters have been sent to area residents.

The test locates broken pipes, illegal connections, open cleanouts and other paths for runoff to enter the sewer system. Runoff from heavy rain can overwhelm the sewer system and treatment plants and cause spills.