PUBLIC NOTICE | SEWER INSPECTION - SMOKE TESTING

Please be advised that we will be smoke testing the sewer in Cooktown over the following weeks.

The proposed schedule of testing is as follows:

Smoke testing is used to find where stormwater infiltration is entering the sewer and causing wet weather overflows. The technique can also find incorrect stormwater connections to the sewerage system and identify cracks or breaks in the pipes.

A non-toxic smoke is blown into the sewerage system via the sewer manholes.  The smoke is similar to that used for special effects.  The smoke will escape through manholes and sewer vents on your roof.  Smoke may also come out of downpipes showing incorrect stormwater connections and may come out of the ground indicating a crack in the pipe.

As Council officers will require access to the back of some properties, Council will duly inform all impacted residences ahead of time. Officers are easily identifiable as they will be in uniform and have Authorised Officers Identification cards.

On the day of inspections, please ensure pets, in particular, dogs, are restrained for the health and safety of our employees.

Please contact Council on 4082 0500 if you need to make special arrangements for the visit, for example, if you have locked gates. 

There will be no disruption to your normal water and sewer services and it is not necessary for residents in these properties to be home.