Apopka residents face smoke tests as crews hunt for sewer leaks

Residents in specific areas of Apopka will see white smoke rising from yards, manholes, and rooftop vents this week. The city is conducting smoke tests on its sanitary sewer system to identify damaged pipes and improper connections that allow unwanted water to enter the network. Crews from contractor USSI began the work in the area served by Lift Station 17 on Wednesday, October 28, and testing will continue through Friday, October 30.

The primary goal is to detect inflow and infiltration, which are sources of excess water that strain the system. Inflow occurs when water enters through openings like gutters or broken manhole covers, while infiltration happens when groundwater seeps in through cracks. Crew members estimate that approximately 800,000 gallons of unwanted water enter the system daily during rainy conditions. This excess volume increases pumping demands and can lead to backups or sanitary sewer overflows during heavy rain.

A digital inspection map shown by a crew member on Wednesday displayed more than 40 green markers in the current work zone. Each marker indicates a location flagged for potential problems, such as leaking manholes or stormwater pipes incorrectly tied into the sanitary system. Tim McRoberts, a senior project manager for the operation, noted that the technique is one of the most affordable ways to assess a wastewater collection system. He explained that smoke escaping from rooftop vents is normal and indicates a healthy line, whereas smoke from the ground signals a defect.

Gabby Lederer, Apopka's utility program supervisor, stated that the city chose this specific area because it has received little preventative maintenance. She described the effort as part of a five-to-ten-year maintenance strategy that will proceed basin by basin. The city aims to address some manhole rehabilitation before the end of the year, though repair costs and the total number of confirmed defects have not yet been established. Lederer said the city plans to strategically plan repairs based on the worst-case scenario.

The work fulfills a state requirement that took effect in June 2023. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires wastewater facility permittees to develop action plans that evaluate at least 25% of their collection systems over five years. USSI advises residents to keep traps in seldom-used drains filled with water to prevent smoke from entering homes. If smoke does enter a building, residents should ventilate the space and notify a uniformed crew member.

Testing runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, weather permitting. Residents in scheduled areas should have received a door hanger. The smoke is non-toxic and designed not to harm pets or leave stains. People with heart or respiratory conditions can call USSI at 1-888-645-9570 or 941-926-2646 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for advance notice.