To help maintain a safe and reliable sewer system, the District routinely conducts smoke testing to identify direct leaks in sewer lines. During this process, non-toxic, odorless, stainless, vegetable-based smoke is introduced into a manhole. Staff then monitor where the smoke surfaces to locate damaged, missing, or improperly sealed components.
This ongoing maintenance program is completed in partnership with SD Rural Water, and we appreciate the continued assistance of Jerry Hemeyer and Nick Jackson. One of the most common issues identified during testing is missing or broken cleanout caps. Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix—4” caps are available locally and can be replaced quickly.
If you have questions or need help, please call our office at 605-642-4870.
The District maintains approximately 11 miles of sewer pipe and 221 manholes. To keep the system functioning efficiently, we partner with A1 Sewer and Drain to perform routine jetting and CCTV camera inspections.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology allows our team to:
Remotely navigate a camera tractor through the pipe
Capture detailed video footage of pipe interiors
Identify cracks, root intrusions, leaky joints, and other structural issues
These inspections help us plan repairs, prevent blockages, and extend the life of the sewer infrastructure.
Inflow (rainwater entering the sewer system) and infiltration (groundwater seeping into pipes) can overload the sanitary system and lead to backups, increased treatment costs, and property damage. I&I issues often come from private sewer laterals, which are the responsibility of the property owner.
Common causes of I&I include:
Improper or outdated plumbing connections
Cracked or deteriorating sewer pipes
Aging or obsolete pipe materials
Construction practices used in older homes
If a homeowner does not repair a problem originating from their sewer lateral, the District may complete the corrective work and bill the property owner. A detailed brochure explaining I&I is available at the District office or can be downloaded online.
The District has completed an update of its ordinances to improve clarity, consistency, and ease of reference. The newly consolidated ordinance is available online and can be viewed or downloaded using any PDF reader.
