As part of the Smoke Testing and Manhole Inspection Project, the Village of Bridgeview conducted smoke testing in the Bridgeview sanitary sewer system west of the train tracks in February as required by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).
Smoke testing is a simple method of locating openings in the sanitary sewer system that allow surface rainwater runoff to enter the sanitary sewers. Air combined with non-toxic smoke is forced into the sewers at manholes, usually located in the street, filling the system. If there are leaks in or improper connections to the sanitary sewer system, storm sewer water may flood the sanitary sewer system. Smoke will appear where there are defects in the main sewer line or sewer service connections, which identifies the infiltration of rainwater. The safe smoke testing process detects leaks and thus enables the Village to maintain the safe operation of Bridgeview’s sanitary sewer system by fixing those leaks and preventing basement back-ups and sanitary sewer street overflows.
Trustee Gary Lewis commented on the vital work being done to maintain Bridgeview’s flood preparedness. “Pro-actively identifying problematic areas in our system is a must to reduce the threat of major issues and to secure the safety of our Bridgeview families.”