City testing this month for leaks in sewer lines

Where there's smoke, there's no fire.

The city of Piedmont will do sewer smoke testing now through Aug. 21 on sanitary sewer lines. The tests are necessary to determine any leaks that may be present in the lines.

The tests involved blowing harmless smoke into parts of the system. The smoke may percolate above the ground, or from roof vents, building foundations, manholes or clean-outs.

Work will take place Tuesdays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A map of affected streets and sub-basins may be viewed by going to www.ci.piedmont.ca.us or calling the public works department at 510-420-3050.

Residents can sign up for email alert system

Piedmont fire and police departments offer an email alert system for public safety related news.

Residents who register will receive notices of street closures, public safety situations and planned power outages.

To receive dispatches, residents should email to publicsafetydispatches@ci.piedmont.ca.us.

This program is an initiative of the city's public safety committee and was created by the City Council earlier this year.

-- Linda Davis