Smoking Sewers Are No Cause For Alarm

Dargaville residents should not be alarmed if they see smoke coming from drains, vent stacks on buildings or holes in the ground during the next few weeks.

It is not the start of a volcanic eruption but the result of Kaipara District Council contractors testing sewers for breaks and defects. They are using specially designed smoke, which has a distinctive smell but is non toxic, harmless and does not create a fire hazard.

The smoke should not enter homes or buildings unless the plumbing there is defective or drain traps have dried up.

If traces of the smoke or its odour do enter a house it could also mean that odour from the sewer system may also be entering which can be unpleasant, dangerous and a potential health hazard. If such problems do occur, staff of Council’s contractors, Downer EDI Water can provide assistance in locating the source of smoke entering a house. However, correction of any defects in the pipes and sewer on private property is the responsibility of the owner who should contact a licensed plumber.

If smoke is observed in your home and the source is not readily identified or you have any questions, please call the contracts supervisor on 09 439 3105 or Council’s Customer Service Team on 09 439 7059.

Kaipara District Council says stormwater getting into wastewater sewers creates extra pumping and additional costs for ratepayers as well as the potential for overloading the system and causing discharges and inadequate treatment.

Using smoke to find places where stormwater can get in, or sewerage can get out of the system is more effective than videos which have been tried in the past.

The survey is expected to involve four days of field work and contractors hope to begin trial tests on Wednesday 14 January. Residents in all affected areas will be notified by letter before work begins in their street.