(Spencer)– Smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system in Spencer is underway and is expected to last 7 to 10 days, dependent upon weather and other factors.
City officials say testing will begin on the south side of Spencer, south of the river, with residents and businesses being notified with door hangers a few days in advance of testing beginning in their area. They add that smoke testing on the north side of Spencer may begin yet this fall, but they say most of that area probably won’t get done until the spring of 2026.
City Manager Kevin Robinson says the testing is being done to identify any possible leaks, illegal connections and other vulnerabilities in the sewer system. He adds the testing will help the city address known problem areas, such as the Southside Lift Station, and identify damage caused by the 2024 flood.
Spencer’s sanitary sewer system consists of more than 400,000 lineal feet of gravity pipe and 50,000 lineal feet of force main.
Robinson says the smoke testing is part of a larger infrastructure master plan that also includes the wastewater treatment plant and stormwater system.
Updates and more information can be found at the city of Spencer Facebook page.
