Norfolk County has retained Civica Infrastructure Inc. (Civica) to complete the County Wide Inflow and Infiltration Program 2024-2029. The study’s objectives are to identify sources of stormwater or groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system.
The sanitary sewer system is an underground pipe network that collects wastewater produced by houses, businesses, and industries. The purpose of the pipe network is to direct the wastewater to a treatment plant where the water is treated before being returned to the environment. Wastewater is the water that has been used by the community and disposed of, including any water from toilets, sinks, showers, and other appliances.
Inflow and infiltration occurs when water enters the sanitary sewers through cracks in the pipe network or through other undesired connections such as catch basins or roof downspouts. Rainwater and groundwater can fill the pipes and reduce the capacity of the sanitary pipe network and the wastewater treatment plant. This increases the risk of overloading the pipe network and potential basement flooding.
To identify sources of inflow and infiltration, the County has contracted Civica to conduct sewer smoke testing in Port Dover throughout the period of July 28 – August 29, 2025, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Smoke testing is a safe and easy way to locate sources of inflow and infiltration into the system.
Residents in the testing zones (Figure 1) will receive advance notice in the form of hand-delivered notices, and daily updates will be provided throughout the project to keep the community informed.
Project Timeline
July 28 to August 1: First week of smoke testing (Figure 1 – Red zone)
August 4 to August 8: No smoke testing due to Civic Holiday
August 11 to August 15: Second week of smoke testing (Figure 1 – Blue zone)
August 18 to August 22: Final week of smoke testing (Figure 1 - Yellow zone)
Smoke testing consists of blowing a harmless visible vapour into the sewer manholes and pipes and observing where the smoke exits from the system. The smoke is expected to exit primarily out of manholes on the street and the sewer plumbing stack at the top of houses. It is also possible for smoke to exit stormwater catch basins and roof downspouts at the side of a house. The smoke used in the test has no odour, isn’t harmful to your health and will disappear after a few minutes. During the smoke testing, Civica staff will complete a quick walk around your property to identify locations where smoke is exiting the sewer system. Staff will not need to enter your house to conduct the smoke test at any time.
To better understand the process, view this short video about testing in the sanitary system.
Once you've received the delivered notice from Norfolk County, pour one pail (five to six liters) of water into any infrequently used sinks and your basement floor drain to fill your plumbing traps (your plumbing traps will remain full during the testing period).
You do not need to be home for the smoke testing, but you can be home while the test is occurring.
Please notify Civica prior to testing if there is any individual in your home or business who has respiratory problems or is immobile.
Sanitary sewers are pipes that are found underground that collect the wastewater produced by homes, businesses and industries and direct it to a treatment plant.
The purpose of the testing is to make sure the sanitary sewer is working at its best. Smoke testing is a simple, cost effective and quick method of testing the sanitary sewer system. It can locate where stormwater is entering the system
The smoke is not intended to enter your home, only the internal plumbing system. Each drain should have a gooseneck installed. This will prevent smoke from entering your home. If you are home and the smoke enters during testing, note the location of the smoke and contact Civica or speak with one of the crew members conducting the test about the location of the smoke. If you think there is smoke present from a source other than the testing, it is advised to call 911.
No. The smoke is not harmful to your health, it dissipates quickly, and it will not harm clothing, draperies or furniture. The smoke is not harmful to pets. If you will not be home, you could leave windows partially open for ventilation should any smoke enter your home.
The smoke will dissipate in a few minutes. If you are home and the smoke is bothering you, leave the room and turn on an exhaust fan and/or open a window to speed up the process.
Access to the outside of the home is required, including backyards (when easily accessible). No internal access to homes will be needed for this testing.
Project Contact Information
Contractor Civica Infrastructure Inc. Nirujaan Kanagendran, Project Analyst (905) 417-9792 x 2303 nkanagendran@civi.ca
If you did not receive a notice or have any questions or concerns about the work being completed, please contact the appropriate individual shown above.
This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.
