SASKATOON — Residents, workers, and occupants of Idylwyld Crescent are advised to expect a peculiar sight on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The city's sewer maintenance personnel will be conducting smoke testing, leading to the emission of white smoke from roofs and properties in the area.
This exercise is part of the city's efforts to bolster the integrity of its sanitary system by identifying vulnerabilities. The technique involves using a harmless, non-toxic liquid smoke that mimics the characteristics of unseen sewer gases. This smoke will be introduced into the street's sanitary sewer maintenance access points. It will subsequently trace the sewer pipes, pinpointing weak spots or small openings where potential contaminants could infiltrate.
During the testing, thick white smoke will emerge from vent stacks, rooftop drains on houses, yard drains linked to the sewer system, and any gaps or fractures within the designated region.
It's worth noting that the smoke could find its way into homes via infrequently used drain traps or aging plumbing. To mitigate this possibility, residents and businesses within the test zone are advised to run water into all drains for a minute on the morning of the testing.
The smoke, which appears dense and white when activated, is an odourless, oil-based substance. It is completely non-toxic and has been safely employed for testing and simulations for more than a quarter of a century in Saskatoon and other municipalities.
