Starting Monday, June 10 and running until Friday, June 21, the City of Thunder Bay will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in the North Core. Notices to those residents directly affected have been sent out.

Smoke testing is a safe, quick way to find areas of the sewer system that need updating. The purpose of the testing is to find potential points where ground water or stormwater may enter the sanitary sewer system.

“The artificial smoke used in the test is not harmful to your health, and will disappear in a few minutes,” said Dave Warwick, Superintendent – Sewer & Water. “We want to remind residents and property owners in the test area to please run some water into all your sink, shower, bathtub and floor drains in preparation for the test to minimize the chance of smoke entering your home or business.”

Smoke should not enter homes if it is properly plumbed and if sink and drain traps contain water. If smoke does enter the home/business during the test, it probably means there are deficiencies in the plumbing. Residents are being asked to call 9-1-1 immediately if there is any doubt to the source of the smoke.

For more information, contact the Infrastructure & Operations Dispatch at 625-2195 or visit: thunderbay.ca/sewertest

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Contact:        Dave Warwick, Superintendent – Sewer & Water, 474-4813