Testing shows illegal hookups not major source of excess water

A smoke testing program in sanitary sewers here identified some sources of stormwater infiltration, but generally indicated the system is in fairly good shape.

In June, Mapleton council awarded a contract to provide smoke testing services to Cole Engineering Group Limited for $15,500 plus HST.

The action was a response to the discovery of excess flows during peak run-off events that result in excess water being delivered to the wastewater lagoon system, affecting capacity.

The program involved using smoke machines or canisters to generate non-toxic, odourless and non-staining smoke for the testing. The perimeter of each residence or commercial building was inspected, front and back, for sources of smoke.

The roofs of each building were visually inspected for evidence of roof drains connected to sanitary drains.

Public works director Brad McRoberts reported at the Sept. 8 council meeting the testing “did identify some discharges” from service laterals.

“We’ll have some conversations with some property owners,” he stated.

However, he noted, the testing did not reveal a great deal of infiltration in the system.

“Based on the smoke testing, our system is in pretty good shape,” he stated.