Sewerage system smoke testing commencing in Port Albert on 13 September

Monday, September 6th, 2021

As part of South Gippsland Water’s ongoing program of wastewater supply system improvements, smoke testing of its sewerage system is being conducted in Port Albert from Monday 13 to Friday 24 September 2021.

During this time, we will need access to people’s properties between 9 am and 3 pm to ensure works can be carried out safely and efficiently. You don’t need to be home for this, but please make sure any pets, such as dogs, are secured so they don’t hinder access to your home.

To prevent harmless smoke from entering your house we ask that you run all taps and showers for one minute on Monday 13 September before 9.00am. This is to allow water to fill the u-bends that are located under the sinks and showers.

Peter Moore, Network Maintenance Team Leader says smoke testing is an effective way to determine sewerage in-flow and infiltration points, whether it be groundwater or storm water from illegal connections to our sewerage system.

“Smoke will be introduced into the sewer via a vapour generator. The smoke used is medicinal grade baby oil that has been atomised to form a dense, yet environmentally friendly mist. This mist will follow the path of the leak to the ground surface or above ground outlet, revealing the source of the infiltration, be it illegal connection or broken pipe” he says.

“Illegal connections are those where storm water run-off from buildings and walkways is funnelled into the sewer system. When it rains, this water ends up in the sewerage system and eventually at a wastewater treatment plant, where it costs the community in additional pumping and greater volumes of effluent having to be treated.”

Should you see smoke coming from odd locations or sewer manholes, it is a sign there is a problem. South Gippsland Water crew will be in the area to identify the infiltration location.

We would like to thank you for your co-operation. Should you have any further questions, please contact our friendly customer service team on 1300 851 636.