Albert Lea to perform smoke testing on sanitary sewer system

The City of Albert Lea is scheduled to conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in the West Richway Drive area from August 31 through September 4. The city has contracted CIT Sewer Solutions of McCallsburg, Iowa, to perform the procedure.

The testing aims to identify locations where stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system, a condition that can overwhelm the system during rain and cause sewer backups in basements. This data will assist the city in planning necessary repairs to improve infrastructure.

Residents in the affected area will be notified via door hangers or direct contact from city staff. While smoke may be visible from vent stacks or ground holes, officials state this is normal. If smoke enters a residence, it indicates plumbing defects that could allow sewer gases to enter; in such cases, residents are advised to ventilate the home and contact a plumber.