Smoke testing program
We are continuously working to improve the quality and reliability of our wastewater system. Inspections and maintenance are undertaken on an ongoing basis to help ensure a high quality service to customers. Smoke testing may be used for routine maintenance, to investigate reported odours, and to identify where stormwater is entering the sewer system. We also use smoke testing to check if there are illegal stormwater connections on residential or business premises.
Upcoming work
We have engaged a contractor, Interflow, to carry out routine smoke testing of our wastewater (sewer) system in the suburbs of Boolaroo, Waratah, Dudley, Kotara , Garden Suburb, Belmont and Belmont North as part of our maintenance program. The work involves smoke testing Hunter Water’s sewer mains (wastewater pipes) and property connections to the wastewater network.
Smoke testing in Boolaroo, Waratah, Dudley, Kotara/ Garden Suburb and Belmont/ Belmont North
We have conducted smoke testing of the wastewater system and connections located:
- between TC Frith Avenue and Milburn Circuit, and Second Street and Fourth Street, Boolaroo, and
- on Vera Street, King Street and Lorna Street, Waratah West and Maud Street and Prince Street, Waratah
- between Thomas Street and Ocean Street, and Cooper Street and Knoll Avenue, Dudley
- located between Prospect Road and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, and Irvine Street and Myall Road, Kotara/ Garden Suburb
- various locations across Belmont and Belmont North.
Most activity was carried out between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), however the contractor did need to arrange testing of some properties on a Saturday.
For any enquiries about the smoke testing, please contact Interflow’s Community Relations Manager Terri Sommerville on 0403 651 562 or email tsommerville@interflow.com.au
Smoke testing resources
Smoke testing factsheet
Frequently asked questions about smoke testing for property owners and occupiers
Boolaroo map
Map of the smoke testing affected properties in Boolaroo
Waratah map
Map of the smoke testing affected properties in Waratah
Dudley map
Map of the smoke testing affected properties in Dudley
Kotara/ Garden Suburb map
Map of the smoke testing affected properties in Kotara/ Garden Suburb
Belmont/ Belmont North map
Map of the smoke testing affected properties in Belmont/ Belmont North
How we undertake smoke testing
We use smoke to test our above and below ground pipes and equipment. Work involves using a smoke-fog generating machine to direct smoke into our wastewater pipelines and monitoring them to see if or where smoke comes out. You may notice smoke rising from our structures in the street or in reserves near your home.
- Smoke from our assets - Smoke escaping from our pipes, pumping stations, hatches and other structures helps identify where we need to make repairs to our system.
- Smoke at a customer's property - Smoke escaping from drainage grates and gutters on a customer's property, or inside their home through drains in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry, may indicate the customer needs to make repairs to their plumbing.
The smoke-fog used in the testing is non-toxic and will disappear quickly. We will have contractors on site to undertake the testing. You do not need to take any action or report the smoke. The smoke does not indicate a fire.