PUBLIC NOTICE to All Residents near Showell Elementary School Area:
The Worcester County Department of Public Works, Water and Wastewater Division will be conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system Friday 12/30/2022 at Showell Elementary School, at 9am. This study will involve the opening and entering of manholes in the streets and public utility easements. An important task of the testing will be to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal sources of where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system.
A special non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. The smoke is manufactured for this purpose, leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effect on plant or animal life. The smoke has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor. Visibility and odor last only a few minutes, where there is adequate ventilation.
Because the plumbing appliances in your house or building are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter your home or place of business if the:
• Vents connected to your building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed.
• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing.
• Pipes, connections and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under your buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed.
Sewer gas can be dangerous and a health risk to the occupants. Should smoke enter your home or business, you may contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or the Water and Waste Water Division at the number below.
Crew members will need to be able to see where the smoke is entering in order help diagnosis the issue. Location, identification, and correction of the source of smoke that enters your building is urgently advised. Your cooperation will be appreciated. The information gained from this testing will be used to improve your sewer services and the wastewater collection system.
Should you have any questions on this matter, please contact Worcester County Department of Public Works, Water and Wastewater Division, at 410-641-5251, Monday – Friday 7:30AM to 4:00PM.