The City of Courtenay will be conducting a “smoke” test of the sanitary sewer system in three areas of Courtenay from August 19 to 24, 2018

The areas include:

• First Street (Puntledge Park) neighbourhood between Menzies Avenue and Powerhouse Road
• Downtown Courtenay and surrounding streets
• Valleyview Drive and Trumpeter Crescent near Back Road

First Street (Puntledge Park) and Downtown Smoke Testing Areas

Valley View Smoke Test Area

“Smoke” testing is a commonly-used method to evaluate sewers, identify failed sanitary sewers, and locate connections between sanitary and storm sewers. 

This testing is performed by blowing a harmless vapour into a sewer. The “smoke” is not a real smoke, but rather a mist containing a large percentage of moisture. It is highly visible at low concentrations. The smoke is expected to exit from manholes, the sewer stack at the top of your house, catch basins and downspouts.

The smoke is non-toxic, leaves no residue or stains, and has no impact on plants or animals. However, if smoke enters your home or business, it may signal plumbing defects in your home. Please contact Public Works Services at 250-338-1525 for more information.

Please be aware of getting too close to the smoke as direct contact can cause minor respiratory irritation in some people. If you are within the testing areas and people in your building or residence have asthma, emphysema or some other respiratory condition, and are planning to remain in the building during the testing, please notify the City of Courtenay Public Works Department at 250-338-1525 so we can discuss your case in further detail.

• Smoke Testing Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, please call City of Courtenay Public Works Services at 250-338-1525 or email publicworks@courtenay.ca