Sewer Testing Map

The City of Pella will be conducting special tests to pinpoint what is needed to be repaired in the sanitary sewer system.

Smoke testing of the sewers will begin next Tuesday, September 2nd and should take two weeks to complete. This process helps determine where storm water is entering the sanitary sewer system, which adds strain to the wastewater treatment process by increasing the volume of water to be treated during heavy rain events. A dense grayish/white smoke could appear on any roof drains, catch basins or house vent stacks connected to the sewer system or from cracks in the pavement above the sewer, from lawns, or around homes which have foundation drains connected to the sewer. Smoke may also appear in basements from unused floor drains, disconnected or faulty plumbing fixtures, or any direct opening to the sewer line. To reduce this possibility, Public Works staff recommends pouring a bucket of water down all floor drains, sinks or other plumbing fixtures if you live in the affected areas.