Frankfort, IL – Residents of the Arbury Hills area may notice smoke coming from sewers, drains, and manholes this week as Illinois American Water conducts sanitary sewer smoke testing from June 18 through June 21.
According to the Frankfort Fire Protection District, the non-toxic smoke is part of a routine inspection to identify leaks and other potential issues within the sewer system. The testing involves placing a high-capacity blower on top of a sanitary sewer manhole, forcing harmless smoke into the system. This smoke travels through the sewer and escapes through any cracks or leaks, helping engineers pinpoint sources of inflow and infiltration.
Utility workers from Illinois American Water and M3 Engineering Group will be present in the area, inspecting the exterior of homes and buildings for signs of stormwater sources connected to the sanitary sewer. Residents are advised not to contact the fire department if they observe smoke during this period, as it poses no health risks and will dissipate quickly with proper ventilation.
Plumbing fixtures should be filled with water before testing begins to prevent smoke from entering homes. This smoke testing supports ongoing maintenance and repair efforts to improve wastewater infrastructure and manage treatment costs. For further information, residents can refer to the notification provided by Illinois American Water.
