Smok'n Sewers in Wandong-Heathcote Junction

27 July 2009  

Wandong-Heathcote Junction residents may notice smoke coming out of manholes and other unlikely places between Monday 3^rd and Friday 7^th August.  This is due to testing on parts of the sewerage system by Goulburn Valley Water’s contractor Peter Willis.

Goulburn Valley Water’s, South West District Manager, Mr Ian Matheson said that parts of the sewer system in Wandong-Heathcote Junction have had a recent history of stormwater entering the system during heavy rainfall events. 

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

“The smoke testing will be carried out in Wandong-Heathcote Junction  in Range Avenue, Station Avenue, Rail Street, Messmate Avenue, Eucalypt Avenue, North Mountain Road, Kilmore Epping Road and Caladenia Court”,” said Mr Matheson.  “The smoke that is used is the same smoke that is used on stage by bands and theatre groups and is harmless.”

Mr Matheson said that smoke testing is undertaken to identify any connections and damaged pipes that allow stormwater or ground water to enter the sewerage 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 this week and the work will commence on Monday 3 August and should be completed on Friday 7^th (weather permitting). 

“During this period our contractor Peter Willis will smoke test approximately 3,500 metres of sewer and carry out 110 individual property inspections,” said Mr Matheson.

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 454 500.

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