In June, the District conducted smoke testing in Encinitas. During this process, non-hazardous smoke is pumped through sewer pipelines to private laterals. When properly connected, this smoke should flow out of the roof vents of businesses and residences. However if improperly connected, extra storm water can enter the sewer system. This has the potential to overwhelm the system’s capacity and lead to a sewer spill.
As a result of the smoking testing, we were able to identify which pipes or cleanouts needed repairs and notified homeowners about their broken cleanout or improper connections. As a courtesy, we were able to replace 20 cleanout caps for homeowners.
Homeowners with an intentional improper connection could be subject to fines up to $2,500. If the sewer lateral needs repair, we offer our customers a Lateral Grant Reimbursement Program. The District has a financial assistance program that can reimburse 50% of the repair cost, up to a maximum of $3,000. Find more details here: bit.ly/latgrant.
#Leucadia #Carlsbad #Encinitas #Wastewater #Environment