Vacaville, CA - The City of Vacaville sewer system will undergo smoke testing August 12 through 25, 2025, to pinpoint areas where storm water or ground water may be entering the sewer collection system.

A letter with a map and schedule will be sent to affected properties approximately one week in advance regarding the City’s ongoing public sewer system study.

Further public notification is made through official social media outlets, e-mail and the City’s website. The smoke testing work is closely coordinated with Vacaville Fire Department and other fire agencies as well as Police, County Sherriff, and City Departments.

Crews blow air and smoke into the sewer system through a manhole in the street and monitor where it escapes from the system. The smoke fluid used is nontoxic and the public should not be alarmed if they notice smoke from sewer manholes or the street.

Smoke testing is an efficient and cost-effective way to identify leaks, as well as where property owners may have incorrectly connected drains into the sewer system instead of the storm drain system. The City conducts these tests to reduce storm water intrusion into the sanitary sewer systems thus eliminating the need for costly treatment plant expansions and larger sewer mains.

View smoke testing maps, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and other details at CityofVacaville.gov/SmokeTesting. Please contact the City Utilities Department staff at (707) 469-6400 if you have any questions.

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Contact: 
Miguel Medina
Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manager
707.469.6400
Miguel.Medina@CityofVacaville.com

View and download a printable release in English.
View and download a printable release in Spanish.