Bureau of Water & Wastewater

(914) 422-1220

After hours - 24 Hour Hotline: (914) 422-1333

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS REGARDING RESIDENTIAL SMOKE TESTING

Beginning Monday, January 14th and for the next several weeks, the City of White Plains will be conducting random smoke tests of residential sewer laterals—without the need for permission from homeowners. Notices to affected residents are set to be delivered in the days leading up to the test but in just case you do not receive a notice or the notice arrives after the test has been performed, don’t panic. The tips in the following sections should help inform what you do next.

What exactly is a smoke test? According to the City of White Plains:

“Smoke testing is the industry standard and an efficient, cost effective way to locate and identify leaks and the source of storm water infiltration problems in the sanitary sewer system.”

The reason cities are conducting smoke testing is to locate problem areas within the overall sewer system. The test identifies the sources of leaks and other problems in a sewer system, such as where storm water drainage is infiltrating the sewage pipes. This is done in order to avoid the environmental and property damages that occur when the city’s sewage system is overwhelmed by storm water.

These tests are scheduled to occur in select areas throughout the entire sewer system, which includes not only the main line running down the street, but also the private sewer laterals that connect homes to the public sanitary sewer main.

Please take a moment to read the attached notice from Commissioner Richard Hope, which explains the process for smoke testing and what to do if this non-toxic / non-hazardous smoke enters your house.

These tests will be conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and there will be DPW staff as well as our consultants from Dolph Rotfeld Engineering, P.C. on site to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

We thank you for your cooperation while we conduct this necessary test.

Bureau of Water

Water Delivery System

The Department of Public Works operates and maintains all equipment and systems at two water pumping stations, including chemical treatment and/or mechanical facilities. If you have a question about your water please call the number above.

The Department of Public Works, Bureau of Water, provides an abundant supply of pure and wholesome drinking water to homes, businesses, schools, and institutions in White Plains operates its water delivery system in compliance with all provisions of the U.S. Safe Water Drinking Act created for the benefit and the safety of the public.

Bureau of Wastewater

DPW operates a separate wastewater sewer system for the City of White Plains. Both of these Bureau's operate under the supervision of the direction of the Commissioner of Public Works and the Bureau’s Superintendent.

Water Main Flushing Schedule

Water main flushing is a necessary maintenance procedure, scheduled once a year. Flushing is performed on normal workdays, between midnight and 4 a.m. Water pressure variations or discolored water conditions may occur. To avoid inconvenience, check the water before doing laundry and keep water in the refrigerator for drinking and cooling.

Discolored water can also result from street construction or water main work being done in the area. Any disturbance to the water main, including the flushing of an open hydrant, may cause pipe sedimentation to shift, resulting in rusty brown-colored water. The settling time will vary, dependent upon the size of your street's water main. It is recommended to run your cold water for a number of minutes to flush the line.

September

Battle Hill, Church Street area, North Broadway area,

October

Fisher Hill area, Westminster and Woodcrest areas and the Central Business District.

November

Prospect Park, Highland, Carhart areas

April

Soundview area, Old Mamaroneck Road area, Gedney Farms, Colonial and Havilands sections and North Street areas.

May

Coralyn, Reynal, Hillair, Holbrooke, Richbell, Topland, North Street, Saxon Wood, Rosedale areas.