If you think you've been seeing smoke coming out of sewers in St. Catharines you're right.
The City confirming smoke testing to check for issues with sanitary sewer lines began Sept. 19 and should wrap up by mid-October.
Crews are currently in the area of Glendale Avenue to St. David’s Road, between Glenridge Avenue and Highway 406.
Work should take a few weeks to complete, after which crews will then move west to check Twelve Mile Creek to Glenridge Avenue, between the CN rail line and Lockhart Drive.
Smoke testing consists of forcing a non-toxic coloured vapour into sanitary sewers to replicate water flows and identify entrance and exit points for water.
Once testing is complete the City will have a better understanding of sanitary sewer issues both above and below ground.
Residents should not be concerned if they see smoke exiting from vent stacks, catch basins, manhole covers or green spaces, as this is a normal part of smoke testing.
The smoke will not stain clothing, draperies or furniture, and has no known effects on humans, plants or animals.
To avoid smoke entering their homes, residents in the area are advised to run water for one to five minutes in each drain, including infrequently used drains like basement
rough-ins.
Water only needs to be run once during the smoke testing period.