The city says crews will be smoke testing portions of the wastewater collection system along Kalanianaole Highway from Monday, Dec. 3 through Friday, Dec. 21.

The daytime testing is part the preventative maintenance program to prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system.

Crews will pump smoke into sewer pipes, examine whether smoke escapes and record its location.

The smoke used is non-toxic, harmless and minimal odor. The smoke is neither a fire hazard nor health hazard to humans and pets.

Tests locate broken pipes, illegal connections, open cleanouts and other paths
for runoff to enter the sewer system.

Runoff from heavy rain can overwhelm and surcharge the sewer system and treatment plants, causing sanitary sewer overflows.

Residents and affected businesses were notified by mail and door notices.  In
addition, city crews will contact fire and police communications centers at the beginning and ending of each testing day.

The map below illustrates the area to be tested.

Photos