Smoke testing of sewers: Detects stormwater inflow, helps prevent basement backups

City News August 28, 2026

The City of Albert Lea will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in the West Richway Drive area from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4. The city has contracted CIT Sewer Solutions of McCallsburg, Iowa, to do the testing. Residents in the impacted area will receive notice from city staff knocking on their doors or leaving door hangers.

Smoke testing identifies areas where stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system, potentially overwhelming the sewer system during rain events and leading to sewer backups in basements. This testing allows the city to plan repairs to improve the system.

During the testing, residents may notice smoke coming from vent stacks on houses or holes in the ground. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

If a home’s plumbing is intact, smoke from the test should not enter the home. If smoke does enter a home, it indicates defects in the plumbing that could allow dangerous sewer gases to enter the home. Residents should open windows and doors to ventilate the home and leave the area until the smoke clears. While the smoke is not harmful, it can be irritating. Residents should contact a plumber on their own to further investigate and correct the problem.

For questions about this testing, residents may contact Albert Lea Utilities Superintendent Mitch Johnson at 507-377-4377.