Smoke testing to be carried out on Fraser Coast sewerage system

Fraser Coast residents to be notified by mail of smoke testing in their neighbourhood on the sewerage network.

Smoke testing will be carried out in parts of the Fraser Coast this month to help find the sources of stormwater and groundwater leaking into the sewerage network.

Smoke testing will be carried out in parts of the Fraser Coast in February to find the sources of stormwater and groundwater leaking into the sewerage network.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Water and Waste Services director Mark Vanner said leaks could allow groundwater to enter the sewerage system, while illegal pipe connections could channel storm water from roofs into the sewerage system.

“During storms, the amount of sewage heading into the treatment plant can be more than five times normal dry weather flows,” he said.

Mr Vanner said the extra water had to be treated, costing ratepayers money.

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Water gushing from storm sewer following very heavy rainfall of the road after heavy rain.

He said it could also cause the treatment plants to overload, which could negatively impact the environment.

Smoke testing works by injecting a non-toxic, non-staining, odourless coloured smoke into the sewers.

“We can see faults that need fixing when the smoke escapes from the cracks in pipes or incorrectly installed stormwater drains,” Mr Vanner said.

“Smoke may emerge from yards, roof gutters, pipes or street drains.

“It is also possible that smoke may appear inside a house if the drainage traps are dry.

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A plumber opens a manhole cover on a concrete well. Inspection and maintenance of water and sewer wells.

“The smoke is not flammable and will not cause any harm to people, pets or plants.”

Mr Vanner said that discovering properties with illegal connections would not necessarily mean fines would be issued.

“Our experience is that once made aware of issues, most property owners comply with the request to rectify problems,” he said.

Residents will be notified by mail of the timing of inspections in their area.

The inspection program starts this month and is due to be completed by April 2024.

Originally published as Smoke testing to be carried out on Fraser Coast sewerage system