Beginning on Thursday, September 26, a contractor working for the City of Lake Charles will begin performing smoke tests in the downtown Lake Charles area in order to locate defects in the main sewer lines and service laterals that connect to private property. 

The project area to be tested is generally described as:

  • Ryan Street interchange at I-10 proceeding south between Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Bilbo Street
  • Testing will conclude on Clarence Street between Hodges Street and Lakeshore Drive

Smoke testing is the process of injecting artificially produced smoke into a blocked off pipeline segment to see where the smoke emerges. If the sewer is in good condition then the forced smoke will emerge from manhole lids along the line or from house vents (on the roof). 

Flyers have been distributed to property owners in the area. Contractors have also notified fire and police, as well as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes in the area about the upcoming tests. 

It is important to note that the smoke is non-toxic, non-staining, and creates no fire hazard. You may see smoke coming from the vent stacks on building/homes, which is normal and a good sign that the plumbing is functioning properly. Smoke testing is one of the best, cost effective ways to assess the condition of sanitary sewer system.