Sewer System Smoke Testing

Beginning Wednesday September 4, 2019 the City’s consultant (Wright-Pierce) will be smoke testing the sewer system in the area of Locke Street and extending to the area around Hale Street, part of Primrose Street, Cedar Street, part of Main Street, Lawrence Street, North Avenue, Lakeview Avenue and the side streets in between. Click here to see the map of the project area.

Smoke testing involves blowing smoke into the sewer system. The smoke reveals breaks and defects in the sewer system and will help to determine the connectivity of the combined sewer system. The testing is expected to take up to 4 weeks.

You may see smoke coming from building vent stacks, building roof leaders, catch basins, manholes or holes in the ground. The smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, has no odor, is white to gray in color, has no effects on plant and animal life, and is not a fire hazard.

IMPORTANT!  If there is any individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems and is immobile, please notify Julia Censullo of Wright-Pierce at (978) 416-8003 before the testing.

The smoke should not enter your home unless you have defective plumbing or dried up plumbing traps. If you have seldom used drains or other plumbing fixtures pour a gallon of water into them prior to the testing.

If smoke enters your home or business immediately ventilate the room and notify the Wright-Pierce crew working in the area or call the Wastewater Division Office at (978) 374-2382. If you are not home and  discover smoke when you return, please call Julia Censullo of Wright-Pierce at (978) 416-8003.

Notifications will be provided weekly advising where and when the testing will occur and will include door hangers, telephone calls using the City’s reverse 911 system, the City’s website, and social media.

The City of Haverhill Wastewater Department is managing this work. If you have any questions please call (978) 374-2382.