City of Kerrville schedules 2-day smoke testing along Town Creek

The City of Kerrville’s Wastewater Collections Department will be performing two days of smoke testing along Town Creek beginning September 25.  Operations on both days will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and there are no road closures planned.  The testing will not affect the flow of traffic.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, testing will extend from the Harper Road exit at Interstate 10 down Old Harper Road and the full length of Town Creek Road.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, testing will resume and conclude at the intersection of Town Creek and Harper Street.

Smoke testing is a common test method used to identify sections of the sanitary sewer collection system that have defects such as cracks, leaks, or faulty connections that allow rainwater to enter the underground pipe network.  The City of Kerrville intends to locate and repair as many of these rainwater connections as possible so that heavy rain does not overwhelm the sanitary sewer system or interfere with the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.

During the test, personnel will blow dense white smoke into the sanitary sewer system.  The smoke will escape again through openings such as holes in manhole covers and plumbing vent pipes located on or near rooftops.  Smoke will also escape through defects such as cracks or breaks, open or broken clean out covers, damaged or defective manhole frame seals, illegally connected roof or area drains, and any other openings.  The smoke is odorless, non-toxic, and non-staining and will dissipate quickly.  It will not harm pets or plants or leave a residue.  Individuals should not be alarmed if they should see smoke in these areas.

For more information or to report an issue, call Assistant Utility Director Chris Clark at (830) 258-1231, or Wastewater Superintendent Matthew Zapata at (830) 258-1224.