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• SEWER EVALUATION
• Smoke Testing
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Overview

The City of Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management is currently conducting a comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the sanitary sewer system. This evaluation is part of the Clean Water Atlanta Program, a multi-billion dollar water quality improvement initiative, and is the critical first step in the City's massive sewer system rehabilitation, repair and enhancement program. The Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) involves the inspection and repair of 2,200 miles of sanitary sewers throughout the city.

The SSES program uses various equipment and techniques to detect sewer pipe defects, blockages and capacity problems. These techniques include smoke tests , dye tests, closed circuit TV (CCTV) , flow monitoring, rain monitoring, building service connection location/inspection, and flow isolation. As problems are identified, city engineers will determine if the sewer lines or manholes should be repaired or replaced immediately, or scheduled for improvements in the future.

How Is The Evaluation Schedule Determined?

Sewers are grouped into drainage basins and sub-divided into sewersheds. A sewershed is defined by the flow characteristics of the drainage area for each localized sewer system. Atlanta's sewers have been further categorized into 6 "sewer groups" based on historical information and maintenance records. Sewer Group 1 (SG-1) includes those sewers that are believed to have the most critical repair needs, and Sewer Group 6 includes those sewers that are believed to be the least critical or that are scheduled for repair in conjunction with other major projects. Contractors perform sewer evaluations according to a schedule that starts with sewers that have the most critical repair needs and progresses to the least problematic.

What Is The Project Status?

The work on SG-1 was completed in March 2004. The final report indicates that 316 miles of sewer were examined using Closed Circuit TV and smoke tests; 146 miles were cleaned; 7439 manholes were inspected; 761 manholes were raised ; and 119 emergency repairs were completed.

SSES evaluations in Sewer Group 2 (SG-2) began in the winter of 2004. Please check the maps to determine whether you reside in a SG-2 area. If you live in the affected area, you can expect to see field crews inspecting manholes and sewer lines that run under city streets and roads and on private property, within the City's easement. You can also expect door hangers and automated phone messages alerting you when smoke tests and other types of evaluations are conducted on your street. Partial street closures may be necessary from time to time.

Every effort will be made to reduce the impacts of this program on residents and business owners. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the sewer system in your neighborhood.

What If I Have Questions or Concerns?

If you need to speak to a Clean Water Atlanta representative, please contact Diane Badger (404)529-6759 or email at