San Antonio Water System has begun a months-long process to smoke test sewer laterals over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The purpose of smoke testing is to identify sewer leaks and protect drinking water quality.
SAWS contractors, Burgess & Niple and RJN, will test street-by-street in recharge zone areas. During smoke testing, contractors open sewer manholes to send a nontoxic smoke through sewer lines and laterals on private property homes and businesses. If no lateral defects are found, smoke will only emerge from sewer vents on the roof of a house. If defects are found, smoke may appear in yards.
Smoke escaping up from sewer laterals will be visible as it comes up from the ground, indicating a leak. Sewage leaks from private laterals over the recharge zone present a risk to water quality over the Edwards Aquifer.
“Smoke testing is an essential part of water quality protection,” said Carlos Mendoza, SAWS Vice President of Distribution & Collection Operations. “It’s a practice we go through every five years, as required by TCEQ.
“It’s important that customers be aware when our contractors are smoke testing in their area, since it can be alarming to see smoke emerging from rooftops and yards, even though the smoke is nontoxic.”
Prior to testing, contractors will notify customers with a doorhanger at each home. Notifications and updates will also be posted on the social media platform, NextDoor.
Residents do not need to be home during smoke testing, but to keep smoke out of buildings, homeowners should run or pour water into all drains (i.e. sinks, toilets, baths and showers) before the testing. Signs are displayed in areas where contractors are working. If a defect is found, another door hanger is left behind and a flag will be placed in the area where smoke was observed. A mailed letter with more details will follow.
SAWS contractors and personnel wear uniforms and carry identification badges. SAWS coordinates with the San Antonio Fire Department throughout the smoke testing process.