Wastewater Division

FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC WORKS TO BEGIN SANITARY SEWER SMOKE TESTING SEPTEMBER 1^ST 

                                                                              AUGUST 24, 2021

The Framingham Department of Public Works will begin conducting Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing Wednesday, September 1st, to investigate sources of rainwater and groundwater (inflow and infiltration) that are entering the sanitary sewer system.

Smoke testing is a common practice that involves blowing air and a non-toxic, non-staining smoke into the sanitary sewer system in the street and monitoring where the smoke escapes.
 
The entire testing program is expected to take one month to complete and will be conducted by the City’s engineering consultant, Weston and Sampson.
 
Testing will occur Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., in designated areas (Western Framingham), bounded by Pleasant Street, the Mass Pike, Route 9, Temple Street, and the Southborough town line.
 
Paper notifications will be distributed to residents and businesses located in designated areas two days before testing is scheduled to occur. People with health concerns and/or respiratory issues, such as emphysema or asthma, who are notified about testing in their neighborhood should avoid direct exposure to the smoke, as it may cause irritation. If you receive a testing door hanger notice and have a related health condition, please notify Weston & Sampson at (508) 250-0245 before testing commences.  
 
During testing, white smoke will be visible from structures located in the road (manhole covers, catch basin drains) and plumbing vent pipes from roof surfaces. Seeing smoke outside is normal and should not cause alarm.
 
Smoke should not enter your premises unless there is a dry trap in an unused fixture or a plumbing defect. You may wish to pour two gallons of water down your basement floor drain or unused plumbing fixture to ensure that the drain trap will be effective. If smoke does enter your property, please notify the Weston and Sampson crew right away, which will be located outside your home/business.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requires the City of Framingham to identify sources of clean water such as rainwater or groundwater (inflow) that enters the sewer system. The City pays the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for every gallon of water that enters the sewer system regardless of its source. Removal of inflow and infiltration will reduce sewer capacity and overflow issues, protect surface water quality, and decrease the City’s sewer costs.
 
An anticipated testing schedule, daily updates, and additional information about the program can be found on the City’s website: www.FraminghamMA.gov/SmokeTesting