Pocatello to Run Sewer Smoke Testing Near Bannock Highway Tuesday
The City of Pocatello’s Water Pollution Control Department is scheduled to carry out smoke testing Tuesday in the vicinity of Bannock Highway and Johnny Creek Road as crews work to identify a sewer service line tied to the former clubhouse at Riverside Golf Course, which has since been demolished.
Residents and business owners in the area should not be alarmed if they see smoke rising from sewer vents or other ground-level openings during the procedure. City officials emphasize that the smoke used in the process is non-toxic, will not stain surfaces, and poses no risk to people, pets, or property.
What Is Smoke Testing and Why Does It Matter
Smoke testing is a standard, widely accepted technique for tracing underground sewer connections and evaluating the condition of wastewater infrastructure. The method allows crews to map and assess buried lines efficiently without excavation. Both the Pocatello Fire Department and Police Dispatch have been informed of the planned activity to prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
The effort is part of the city’s ongoing work to manage and maintain its underground infrastructure — a priority for municipalities across Southeast Idaho as aging sewer systems require regular inspection and updating. A similar focus on water system management is playing out regionally, as water quality planning efforts along Rock Creek advance to a new phase and surface water and groundwater districts work to strengthen regional mitigation agreements.
What Comes Next
Residents with questions or concerns about Tuesday’s smoke testing are encouraged to contact the Water Pollution Control Department directly at (208) 234-6254. City officials have also made additional information about what the public can expect during the procedure available through the department’s online resources.