Suburbs chosen for smoke testing are determined by the performance and evaluation of each wastewater pump station during wet weather events and in 2026-27 the suburbs of Clontarf, Kippa-Ring, Margate, Redcliffe, Rothwell, Scarborough and Woody Point will be tested.
The same artificial smoke used in theatres and discos is blown through the pipes and emerges through vents or breaks and cracks, signalling an issue below to the crews above-ground.
A safe, non-toxic and non-staining vapour is blown through wastewater pipes, and if it becomes visible above ground, it identifies potential faults, leaks or improper connections that allow stormwater to enter the wastewater network during heavy rain.
Unitywater Executive Manager Strategic Infrastructure Solutions, Mike Basterfield, said while the wastewater network is designed with additional capacity to handle some stormwater flows, too much can lead to overflows on private property or in the environment.
“In the five years we’ve been running this program, we’ve proactively identified defects in about 4,000 private plumbing connections, including incorrectly installed or poorly maintained Overflow Relief Gullies (ORG) and illegally connected downpipes,” Mr Basterfield said.
“Across Moreton Bay 85% of these defects have been rectified, which has reduced stormwater inflow by 24%, which reduces the likelihood, frequency and volume of overflows occurring,” he said.
Mr Basterfield said residents didn’t need to be home for the investigations and could expect a letter in their mailbox two weeks prior to crews carrying out the works.
“Most residents aren’t aware if they have plumbing issues and when we discover them, we ask customers to take reasonable steps to rectify the issues to reduce the risk of overflows in their home,” Mr Basterfield said.
Mr Basterfield said Unitywater had also inspected 14,600 maintenance holes in the last financial year which could act as stormwater entry points across the wastewater network.
“Maintenance holes are critical to the wastewater network, but tree root intrusion and loose lids can lead to blockages and stormwater infiltration,” he said.
“These inspections enable us to remove blockages and replace lids or arrange repairs, where required.”
Learn more about Unitywater’s smoke testing program: www.unitywater.com/smoke-testing
