Smok'n Sewers

3 June 2009 

Kyabram residents may notice smoke coming out of manholes and other unlikely places between 15 and 30 June.  This is due to testing on the Kyabram sewer system by Goulburn Valley Water’s contractor Underground Engineering Solutions.

Goulburn Valley Water’s, district manager, Mr Neville Whittaker said that the sewer system in Kyabram has had a history of stormwater entering the system during heavy rainfall events. 

"Stormwater entering the sewer system has a major impact on our operations," said Mr Whittaker.  "We require more energy to pump the stormwater through our system and in extreme cases can lead to overflows from sewer manholes."

"The smoke testing will be carried out in the north west end of town and includes the industrial area, surrounding residential area and Dawes Road Primary School," said Mr Whittaker.  "The smoke that is used is the same smoke that is used on stage by bands and theatre groups and is harmless."

Mr Whittaker said that the smoke testing is undertaken to identify any connections and damaged pipes that allow stormwater or ground water to enter the sewer system.  "The defects are easily seen when smoke rises above the ground or from the guttering of a house or gully trap.  We are also on the lookout for damaged manhole seals."

All properties in the area being tested should have received a notice from Goulburn Valley Water during the first week of June and the work will commence on 15 June and should be completed by 30 June. 

"During this period our contractor Underground Engineering Solutions will smoke test approximately 3,500 metres of sewer, carry out 170 individual property inspections and inspect 45 manholes," said Mr Whittaker.

If you have any queries in relation to the smoke testing please contact Goulburn Valley Water’s 24 hour Customer Service Centre on Free Call 1800 45 45 00.

Authorised By P.A. Quinn, 104-110 Fryers Street Shepparton