Starting next week, contractors for the City of Tampa's wastewater department will start smoke testing the sewer collection system to find sections that might allow storm water to enter during heavy rainfall events.
High-capacity blowers will be placed over manholes in the street so non-toxic smoke can be entered into the collection system, city officials say.
An odorless, white to gray colored smoke will flow through the manholes and sewer vent stacks on roofs.
Anyone with a property in the area will receive advanced notice about the project.
There will also be door hangers on the front doors of all buildings in the test area. To get ready for smoke testing, city officials encourage residents to run water in all the drains in your building to make sure traps are filled with water to prevent sewer gases or smoke from entering the building.
If smoke seeps in, open a door or window for ventilation, and allow the smoke to clear out.
Testing will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and should last no longer than three days once the contractor begins the work.
The testing schedule is below:
North border: South Manhattan Avenue
South border: West Estrella Street
East border : South Manhattan Avenue
West border : South Westshore Boulevard
Upon completion of the south Tampa area, testing will start in north Tampa:
North border: West Hanna Avenue
South border: West Henry Avenue
East border : North Grady Avenue
West border : North Manhattan Avenue
