The City of West Palm Beach Is Smoke Testing Sewers Throughout Neighborhoods

March 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
[email protected]
561-822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

The City of West Palm Beach is Smoke Testing Sewers Throughout Neighborhoods

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The City of West Palm Beach will be smoke testing its sewers on the roads listed below from Monday, March 27, to Friday, April 14, 2023, between 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This test is performed periodically to locate sources of sewer odors and leaks, and pinpoint potential breaks in sewer lines.

• The 300 block of the following streets:
  • Arlington Road, Gregory Road, Orange Way, Glenn Road, Alhambra Place, Leigh Road, Laurie Road, Summa Street, Maddock Street, Winter Street, Forest Hill Boulevard, Lytle Street, Macy Street, Franklin Road, Nathan Hale Road, Colonial Road, Hunter Street, Churchill Road, Valley Forge Road, Palmetto Street, Ellamar Road, Potter Road, Linda Lane, Bunker Road, Putnam Ranch Road, Plymouth Road, Pilgrim Road, Puritan Road, Lakewood Road, Murry Road, Russlyn Drive, Edmore Road, Pine Terrace, Nottingham Boulevard, Melverne Road, and South Olive Avenue
• The 4000 to 8000 block of South Dixie Highway
• The 6900 to 7900 block of Bravard Avenue
• The 5900 to 8000 block of Martin Avenue
• The 5000 block of Canyon Trail, Mesa Trail and Prairie Trail

On the outside of your or your neighbor’s home, you may notice smoke coming from sewer vents, gutters, downspouts, and along sewer lines. The type of smoke is harmless, white to yellowish-white in color, and may have a slight odor. It is harmless to humans, plants, and animals. If the smoke enters your home, you should immediately ventilate the area.

Should smoke (or its odors) exit from the plumbing or fixtures, it is an indication that potentially dangerous gases and unpleasant odors from cracked or broken wastewater lines may be entering the home. This should not occur if the plumbing is in good working condition. Residents can minimize the chances of this happening by running enough water into the sinks, tubs, showers, and floor drains to fill the sewer trap with water.

If you see smoke or smell a foul odor, residents should identify the location and seek professional plumbing assistance to correct the problem. Broken or cracked pipes on private property are the property owner’s responsibility. The City maintains the collection system from the private property line to the wastewater plant.

Should you detect smoke in your home and are uncertain of the cause, please contact the City of West Palm Beach Utilities Department at (561) 822-2170 or Dispatch at (561) 822-2210 (TTY: 800-955-8771) 

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