The City of Davenport has contracted Strand and Associates to smoke test the sanitary sewer lines in the area of North Park Mall and to the north and west beginning the week of October 9, as shown on the map.
Residents of the area will receive postcard notification the week of October 2, and a door hanger will be placed at the property 24 hours before smoking testing in each area within the testing boundaries occurs.
Following are tips and information for residents in the area to be tested.
Why is smoke testing being done?
- To locate sewer defects before they become more serious.
- Reduce quantity and severity of sewer backups.
- Reduce costs of added sewer cleaning and treatment due to defects.
- To better understand the sewer connections within the system.
What should residents and businesses know about the testing being done?
- Individuals may see smoke coming from the vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground. This indicates a potential defect for further investigation.
- The smoke is NON-TOXIC, NONSTAINING, HAS NO ODOR, IS WHITE TO GRAY IN COLOR AND CREATES NO FIRE HAZARD.
- The smoke should not enter buildings unless there is defective plumbing or dry drain traps.
Steps To Take to Assist with the Tests and Limit Smoke Inside Buildings
- The smoke should not enter into buildings unless leaks or plumbing defects exist. To prevent smoke from rising out of appropriately-connected drains inside your home, please make sure that traps for all basement floor drains and other sink traps and plumbing fixtures are full of water by pouring approximately 24 ounces of water in each drain before the scheduled test.
- Smoke may be visible from downspouts (gutters), which means they are connected to the sanitary sewer system, no need to be alarmed.
What if you get smoke in your house?
- Should individuals detect smoke in their building, the room should be ventilated through an open window or door. While the smoke is harmless, individuals who believe they might experience irritation of the respiratory system, should leave the area and ventilate well to dissipate the smoke. The smoke is designed to dissipate within 30 minutes, leaving no residue or damage to your belongings.
- Individuals should notify the field technicians who are conducting the test should smoke enter their building at the number provided on the door hanger.
While we have no reason to expect difficulties, we want to make impacted individuals aware of upcoming activities. Everyone’s patience and cooperation are very much appreciated.
Questions should be directed to the number listed on the door hanger provided.