Crews from the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services will conduct smoke testing of the wastewater-collection system in Wahiawa residential areas from June 9-12 and 16-19. Crews will be in Wahiawa monthly through October.

This is part of the department’s preventative maintenance program to prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system. Crews pump smoke into sewer lines, examine whether any smoke escapes and record its location. The smoke used is nontoxic, harmless and has minimal odor. The smoke is not a fire hazard and does not pose a health hazard to humans or pets.
Tests locate broken pipes, illegal connections, open cleanouts and other paths for runoff that enter the sewer system. Runoff from heavy rain can overwhelm and surcharge the sewer system and treatment plants, causing spills.
Smoke tests are planned on Kaala Avenue, Club Drive, Ridge Avenue, Glen Avenue, Auwai Drive, Ipuhao Place, Kilani Avenue, Koa Street, Kellog Street, Clark Street, Thomas Street, Kolekole Drive, Valley Avenue, Crest Avenue and Clark Place.