Whitefish testing sewer lines

Smoke may be rising from Whitefish sewer manholes today, but it’s no Halloween prank.

The Whitefish Public Works Department is conducting leak tests of the city sewer system this morning in portions of the downtown area by forcing nontoxic smoke into the lines. The smoke will help locate places where storm and other surface waters are entering the city’s sewer as well as reveal sources of sewer odors, a city advisory said.

The smoke is specially manufactured for such testing and leaves no residue or stains and won’t affect plants, animals, the advisory stated, though it could cause some minor irritation of the respiratory passages if residents come in contact with it.

The smoke has a distinctive but not unpleasant odor. If traces of the smoke or its odor enter a house or building, it is an indication that gases and odors from the sewer also may enter, according to the Public Works Department.

Evidence of smoke in a building during the smoke testing should be immediately reported to the testing crew. Call Tim Johnson at 253-3584 and also notify a plumber. While the city will offer some assistance, the correction of any defects on private property is the property owner’s responsibility.

Gravity Shots will fly its remote-controlled helicopter above buildings in the city looking for smoke exiting from vent piping.