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To further evaluate the sewer collection system the city has contracted with Equix, Inc. to conduct another round of testing in 2026. In advance of the testing door hangers will be left at all affected residences providing notice of the testing and instructions to help prepare your property.
View the Sewer System Testing Project Area map below for location details.
In 2024, the city contracted with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. to conduct sewer system testing in six initial areas. These areas were selected based on historical reporting, surveys, and areas covered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s work with the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plan (RRWWTP).
Testing consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: Public sewer collection system smoke testing. Smoke testing is conducted to locate problem areas in an effort to reduce the quantity of storm and/or ground water that enters the sanitary sewer system. Non-toxic smoke is blown into the public sanitary sewers. This smoke will flow to the lateral sewer lines on each homeowner’s property. This test will allow us to provide data to confirm that the lines are connected properly. The testing can also identify potential issues with the lateral sewer lines to homes. The appearance of smoke on the ground surface indicates a problem area, such as a broken sewer line, broken service connection, or an improper connection to the sewer line. Marking paint is applied to ground areas to identify the locations so results can be documented. This phase also helps to identify downspouts or drains on private property that may be improperly connected to the city’s sewer system.
- Phase 2: Public sewer collection system dye testing. Non-toxic fluorescent dye is introduced into the city storm sewers to identify locations where storm water may be entering and possibly overloading the sanitary collection system. These dyes are harmless to humans, pets, and the environment, and are biodegradable and inert to soils.
- Phase 3: Private sewer collection system dye testing. Results gathered from the public collection system smoke testing will be utilized to determine which properties require this further dye testing since that phase may highlight potential improper connections or deficiencies. Dyed water is introduced into all accessible downspouts, yard/driveway drains, and sump pumps, if present on the property ,to create rainfall simulation. The goal of this testing is to provide homeowners with a better understanding of their system. Testing may identify deficiencies with systems that could cause issues during heavy rain events.
Results
Data from all three phases of testing is then submitted to the city’s Consulting Engineer, Chagrin Valley Engineering (CVE) for review and analysis. Based on the results, the City of Bay Village Building Department will notify residents by mail if sewer improvement projects are necessary to help reduce flooding events.
Questions
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this necessary testing. For questions related to the testing process or locations please contact the City of Bay Village Service Department at 440-871-1221, or for questions related to testing results, please contact the City of Bay Village Building Department at 440-899-3400.
