Sanitary Sewer System Study Continues; Smoke Testing in Campustown

The City of Ames is continuing a citywide, multi-year study of the sanitary sewer system. This study includes video inspection and smoke testing of all City-owned and operated sanitary sewer lines. This study will try to define the sources of extra flows in the sewers that should not be there and develop a program to reduce or eliminate the flows. Smoke testing on the sanitary sewer lines in the South Campus and Campustown areas will begin Thursday and continue through July 20. 

Smoke testing consists of blowing liquid smoke into the sewer lines to determine the condition of the sewer. The smoke is non-toxic and non-staining. Smoke will not enter a house or business if waste water plumbing is in compliance with the Ames Plumbing Code unless a dry trap or defect in the plumbing exists.  Residents or businesses with floor drains in the basement or other seldom-used drains or sinks should pour a pail of water down each one to keep the traps full. 

If smoke does enter a house or business, residents should contact Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. employees who should be visible on the street nearby. They will assist you in clearing the smoke and possibly point out defects in your plumbing system that should be corrected. The City of Ames has hired Veenstra & Kimm, Inc, of West Des Moines, to conduct this study along with two other firms to assist in the efforts. 

For questions or more information, contact the City of Ames Public Works Department at 
(515) 239-5160 or Greg Roth of Veenstra & Kimm at (515) 225-8000.