--Utility Work to Continue--

HRSD, your regional wastewater treatment utility, will perform sanitary sewer investigatory work in the vicinity of your home along Kirby Street and 1st Street. This work should take place primarily between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday–Friday.

While our project team works diligently to minimize impacts, you may notice increased noise, traffic, crews, and heavy equipment (with back-up safety alarms) associated with construction. Please take care when traveling around the construction area and for your safety, do not enter the site.

Please visit the project’s webpage for more information and updates: www.hrsd.com/west-point-sanitary-sewer-system-improvements 

Thank you for your support of this effort to help achieve HRSD's vision:

Our communities will have clean waterways and reliable water resources for generations to come.

Smoke Testing FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of and how will the smoke testing be accomplished?
A: Smoke testing is used to find possible leaks in the sanitary sewer system. During this test, non-toxic, artificially created smoke (like a fog machine at a concert) is blown into access points (manholes) in the pipe. Plumes coming from plumbing vents and manhole rims are normal. The fire department will be notified of smoke testing plans.

Q: What do I need to do to prepare for smoke testing?
A: When you receive notice that smoke testing will take place, please make sure all drain traps under sinks, toilets, washing facilities, and floor drains have water in them. To fill them, simply run each faucet for 30 – 60 seconds, flush toilets, or fill any floor drains with about 3 cups of water.

Q: Do I need to be at home during smoke testing?
A: No.

Q: What should I do if I have pets in the house and will not be home during smoke testing?
A: The smoke is not harmful to pets. It would be a good idea to leave several windows partially open for ventilation, should any smoke enter the building. If you have proper plumbing connections and all of the drain traps have water in them, there should not be any problems.

Q: Is the smoke harmful to humans or furnishings?
A: No. It may make you cough, but it is not harmful to your health and will not harm clothing, drapes, or furniture.

Q: What should I do if smoke gets into the house and how long will it take to clear out?
A: If smoke enters your home during testing, please notify Brad Alger with RK&K immediately at 757-532-2374, open windows to allow ventilation, and note the location of the smoke. Smoke inside your home can help identify bad plumbing connections or a cracked seal around a toilet. Smoke alarms may also sound. The smoke will clear within a few moments; the amount of time required will depend upon how much smoke enters the building and how much ventilation you can provide.

Q: Who will conduct these tests?
A: HRSD has retained RK&K to manage the testing. RK&K plans to use the services of Vortex to conduct the investigative tests.

Q: Can smoke stop up the sanitary sewer?
A: No. The smoke is made up of a vaporous substance.