Long Beach Utilities to Conduct Sewer Smoke Test in July 2025
Published on July 14, 2025
Contact: Joy Contreras
Public Information Officer
Phone: (562) 355-1201
Email: joy.contreras@lbutilities.org
Long Beach Utilities to Conduct Sewer Smoke Test in Naples Island Beginning July 22, 2025
Proactive diagnostic testing will help prevent sewage spills during large storm events and protect recreational water quality
LONG BEACH, CA – The Long Beach Utilities Department (LBUD) and its contractor, Downstream Services Inc., will conduct specialized testing of its sewer system in the Naples Island neighborhood scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The smoke testing is designed to help prevent sewer overflows and protect and maintain the structural integrity of the city's sewer system.
“Long Beach Utilities is committed to climate resiliency, and that extends to our sewer collection system,” says Anatole Falagán, Long Beach Utilities General Manager. “Smoke testing is a proactive way to protect our aquatic and local environment from potential sewer spills before they happen."
A sewer smoke test consists of a non-toxic, odorless, and harmless smoke to locate any leaks or defects in a sanitary sewer system; smoke is pumped into the pipelines and helps identify any improper private connections into the city's sewer system. Naples Island has been identified as a high-priority area due to excessive wet weather inflow, which strains LBUD’s pump station capacity and its infrastructure. By locating and addressing these issues during dry weather, the department can improve sewer system performance and avoid costly sewage spills or capacity issues in the future.
This proactive diagnostic test helps homeowners identify plumbing issues on private property so that homeowners can plan, budget, and fix those sewer issues before they become emergencies necessitating immediate action.
Downstream Services Inc., has finalized testing preparations and will begin smoke testing on Tuesday, July 22nd. Testing will occur during standard working hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is anticipated to conclude by the end of July 2025.
The City of Long Beach (City) Adopted Climate Action Plan identifies flood proofing vulnerable sewer pump stations as an action that should be taken to meet the City’s goal of understanding and preparing for future flood risk.
This action aligns with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) General Order, governing wastewater management; the most recent General Order emphasizes a need to improve management of infiltration/inflow, statewide. Excessive infiltration/inflow can lead to sewer overflows and overflows of untreated wastewater, which poses risk to public health and recreational water quality.
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