Dublin San Ramon Services District to Conduct Smoke Tests of Sewer System

Information received from DSRSD:

is conducting smoke testing in six miles of sewer pipes located underground in several west Dublin neighborhoods from Oct. 10 to Oct. 14.

Smoke testing is a standard technique for finding cracks and other defects that allow rain water to infiltrate sewers. A special non-toxic smoke is pumped into underground sewer pipes through manholes in the streets.

If there are cracks in either the sewer mains or the private sewer laterals that serve individual homes, or if there are illegal cross-connections between sewer and storm drain pipes, smoke will rise to the surface and reveal these problems. The smoke is harmless to people, plants, animals, and property.

The smoke tests will take place in the Donahue/Vomac sewer basin, which straddles San Ramon Road from approximately Alcosta Blvd. in the north to Donahue Drive and Shannon Way in the south, according to DSRSD.

DSRSD mailed notices to approximately 830 residents on Sept. 26. Its staff also is distributing door hangers this week and will knock on doors just before each test. Residents do not need to be at home during the test, which takes 15-20 minutes.

For information on the location of the testing or to see if your neighborhood is included, click here. The link also provides information on what you need to do to prepare before the smoke tests and what will take place during the tests.

Residents also can call the DSRSD Engineering Department at 925-875-2258 if they have questions.