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Santa Claus schedules smoke test to find stormwater entering sewer lines after heavy rains
Summary
After camera inspections failed to locate sources of rainwater infiltration that have driven high sewer bills from Lyons, Santa Claus officials arranged a smoke test with Georgia Rural Water Association personnel (no fee) and notified affected residents before the Aug. 20 test.
The City of Santa Claus scheduled a smoke test of its sewer lines to identify where stormwater is entering the system, a problem officials said has contributed to unusually high sewer bills billed through the City of Lyons.
Donita Bowen, mayor, told the council she met with Dale Sapp of Hofstadter Engineering and local staff to review saturation and infiltration issues after a camera inspection did not reveal the source. Sapp recommended a smoke test in the lines and arranged for Charles McCann of the Georgia Rural Water Association to assist at no fee to Santa Claus, the minutes state.
Letters were sent to affected residents to notify them of the planned Aug. 20 test. The mayor said the city also could receive personnel assistance for rate analysis from Georgia Rural Water Association if needed.
Bowen said she plans to request a meeting with Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. of Lyons, and possibly Jason Hall, to present collected data on the sewage charges and to seek a workshop with Lyons before any formal decision on the disputed bills.
The minutes record the smoke test was scheduled and that affected residents were notified; they do not contain test results or a timeline for follow-up actions such as repairs, estimated cost, or a formal timeline for resolution.
