Apopka Crews Push 800,000 Gallons of Smoke to Hunt Hidden Sewer Leaks

Crews in Apopka have identified more than 40 suspected sewer defects in a single inspection area, a digital map showed during a Wednesday field visit. The markers indicate locations where non-toxic smoke escaped from underground lines, signaling potential leaks, broken pipes, or improper connections. While the total number of confirmed repairs remains unverified, the preliminary count highlights a specific problem in one of the city's older service basins.

The investigation targets inflow and infiltration, a condition where rainwater and groundwater enter sanitary sewers that should carry only wastewater. This excess water raises pumping costs and reduces system capacity during heavy rains. Crew members estimated that up to 800,000 gallons of unwanted water enter the system daily in wet conditions, though this figure has not been independently verified or tied to a specific geographic area.

Tim McRoberts, a senior project manager with contractor USSI, explained the mechanics of the test. A powerful blower forces smoke into sewer lines through access points. While smoke rising from rooftop vents is normal, smoke emerging from the ground or street surfaces indicates a breach. McRoberts noted that the process reveals broken cleanouts, leaking manholes, and stormwater pipes incorrectly connected to the sanitary system. He described the method as one of the most affordable ways to assess a wastewater collection system.

Gabby Lederer, Apopka's utility program supervisor, said the city selected the area served by Lift Station 17 for initial testing because it has received little preventative maintenance. "There really hasn't been too much preventative work here," Lederer stated. The city intends to proceed basin by basin, aiming to cover the entire city over the next five to 10 years. She expects substantial inspection data from USSI within one to two weeks and hopes to begin manhole rehabilitation before the end of the year.

The work responds to a state requirement effective since June 2023. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection mandates that wastewater facilities develop action plans to evaluate at least 25% of their collection systems over five years. Repair costs and the final count of confirmed defects have not yet been established. Lederer said the city plans to strategize based on the worst-case scenario provided by the inspection data.

Testing is scheduled for weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, October 30, 2026, weather permitting. Residents in scheduled areas should receive door hangers from USSI. The smoke is non-toxic and designed to avoid staining or harming pets. If smoke enters a home, it may indicate a dry plumbing trap, and residents are advised to ventilate the space and contact a uniformed crew member. Homeowners do not need to be present, and testing typically takes about 15 minutes per area.

People with heart or respiratory conditions who want advance notice can call USSI at 1-888-645-9570 or 941-926-2646 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The city and contractor emphasize that residents can reduce the chance of smoke entering their homes by keeping water in the traps of seldom-used drains. The investigation continues as crews move through the designated zones in the oldest sewer basin.