The City of Cold Lake is conducting smoke tests on the sewage system over the next while.
The test works by pouring a harmless smoke into the sewers and basically seeing where it comes out. If smoke appears somewhere it’s not supposed to, staff can identify it as an issue that needs to be fixed, preventing leaks and damage to the environment. During the tests, residents may see small amounts of smoke coming from vents , manholes, drains and similar places. The smoke should not actually enter any houses or businesses. If it does, it is more than likely coming from a lower floor drain that is connected to the building sewer system.
The city has some instructions for residents during the tests. “We ask that if you have floor drains in the basement floor of your home or business that you pour three (3) or four (4) cups of water into them to seal off the trap,” the city says in a notice. Â “If you have floor drains, it is a good idea to do this periodically to make sure sewer gases cannot get inside your home.”
Although the smoke used in the testing is harmless, if during the test, smoke does enter your home or business please contact Nick with SFE Global (the contractor hired for the tests) at 204-654-2713 Ext. 1 and he will connect you with the outside field crews working in your area. They will help you find the leak and help prevent further incidence of smoke entering the building.