VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The City of Valley City will test its sanitary sewer lines on October 20th, 2026.
The North Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems will assist with this test which checks for Ground Water Infiltration into the sewer lines using a non-toxic smoke. This situation can overload the treatment plant during heavy rains as it did recently after the city received 7 inches of rain over a 24 hour period.
Again, the test smoke is a special non-toxic material which will not cause health problems nor damage property. If your home or business is problem free, you will not experience any smoke. You may receive smoke if you have a faulty or blocked ventilation pipe or a dry floor drain.
The testing is done in geographic sections. Areas of the city that could be affected with the Smoke Test on October 19th and 20th are between Viking Dr & 5th St SW & 9th Ave, 10th Ave, 11th Ave and Viking Trailer Court in Southwest Valley City.
Valley City Pubic Works Director Clint Klemisch gave a few more details about procedure during this interview below.
It is not possible to let property owners know the exact time for their area. The city appreciates your cooperation during this test. If you have questions in regard to this procedure please contact the Smoke Test Telephone: 701-845-8144 or 701-845-8147.
Smoke found inside homes or businesses means there is a potential problem. If any smoke enters a building, persons are asked to inform the testing crew. If smoke enters your home or business, check to see where it is coming from. Opening doors and windows will allow the smoke to ventilate. Adding water to drains and toilets will help prevent smoke from entering your home or business. Home owners can expect to see smoke coming from roof vents.
DO NOT CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT during this Smoke Testing.
