Fog Testing Notice - Storm and Sanitary Sewer Investigation
Starting next month, South Huron is inspecting sanitary sewers throughout the municipality. The purpose is to identify improper connections that may be allowing rainwater and/or groundwater to enter the system and reach the Sewage Treatment Facility, which leads to unnecessary costs and reduces the system’s overall capacity.
A contractor (Flowmetrix) will conduct fog testing of the sanitary sewers in the South Huron area. The testing is expected to start during the week of Monday, September 8, 2026, and will be fully completed by Friday October 30, 2026. Testing of the entire area is expected to take approximately four weeks but could be extended due to weather conditions.
Fog testing is a safe, quick way to find sewer system areas with improper connections. The fog used in the test is non-toxic, non-staining and odourless, harmless to humans, pets, plants, food, and material goods, and does not create a fire hazard.
For homeowners:
- Please pour water into your basement floor drains and any unused sinks, showers or other plumbing fixtures a few days before the fog testing start date.
- If you notice that fog has entered your home, please contact the numbers at the end of this notice, and a site superintendent may visit you for additional information. Fog alarms may be triggered during testing.
- You may wish to leave a few upstairs windows open a small amount if you feel it is safe to do so during the time period the testing is to take place.
- Residents do not need to be home during testing.
During the testing period, Flowmetrix personnel may be present near your property to conduct visual assessments of the vent stacks and surrounding areas to ensure accurate data collection for the study. Please be assured that these personnel will not access gated areas or enter backyards, and your privacy will be fully respected at all times.
To support this work, an aerial drone may be used to assist with the inspection. The drone will be used solely for the purpose of observing roof plumbing vents and other elevated areas, such as the tops of downspouts and eavestroughs, to confirm that fog is venting properly and to identify any fog escaping from locations that are difficult to inspect safely from the ground. All drone operations will be conducted in accordance with applicable safety regulations and Transport Canada requirements. All personnel are committed to respecting the privacy of all residents and business owners.
This work is being coordinated with emergency services, so they are aware of the streets being tested. If you or any member of your family has a health condition that you feel we need to be aware of, please contact the numbers below before the start of fog testing.
Representatives will be available to answer questions related to the project. The public is invited to contact the persons below with any questions or comments regarding this project.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you see fog:
Mike Wentrot, Flowmetrix, Data Analyst/Project Manager, at (705) 503-9528
For concerns or questions about the project:
Andrew Garland. P. Eng. B.M. Ross & Associates
519-524-2641
South Huron Representative: Alyssa Keller
519-235-0310 ext.245
Please visit our Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Initiative project page for more information, including a Frequently Asked Questions section.
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