Follow-up Dye Testing - July-September 2011

Why is Dye Testing Needed?

As a result of conducting these building inspections, it is expected that building inspectors will identify properties in the City of Newport that are potentially directing storm water into the sanitary sewer system through roof downspouts, area drains, or other defects. Often times the building inspectors can confirm whether or not these suspect defects are connected to the stormwater drainage system or the sanitary sewer system through visual inspection of the building and the defect in question. But in many cases, it is impossible to determine which system the defect is connected to without additional testing.

What is Dye Testing?

At buildings where additional testing is needed to confirm which system a defect is connected to, a simple procedure known as "dye-testing" is utilized by the building inspection crews.

The building inspection crews use water contained on their work trucks to pump into roof downspouts, area drains, or other suspect defects found at homes. The water is pumped through a hose into the suspect defect.

A dye tablet, which is water soluble, is placed into the defect as water is being pumped into the defect opening.

The dye tablet dissolves in the water, creating fluorescent yellow-green colored water. The dyed water will then be traced to the stormwater drainage system or the sanitary sewer system.

This dye test provides concrete confirmation on whether rainwater is entering the sanitary sewer system through the identified potential defect.

Is the Dye Safe?

The dye used for this procedure is non-toxic and specifically designed for sewer system dye testing. The dye is yellow-green in color, and is water soluble so it can be easily washed off of surfaces with clean water. The dye is not harmful to people or the environment. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides information about the dye that is used.

Download the latest version of Adobe Reader

What Do You Need To Do?

As a homeowner, if you receive a Dye Test Request Letter from the City you should call the phone number or send an email to the City's Contractor, CH2M HILL, to schedule an appointment for the dye test. CH2M HILL's contact information is provided in the letter, as well as below.

If you receive this letter, it means a suspect defect (e.g., roof downspout, area drain, etc.) was found at your property during the initial building inspection and additional testing is needed to confirm whether or not the defect is connected to the sanitary sewer system or the stormwater drainage system.

No entry is needed to the interior of homes and the inspection should normally take no more than 60 minutes to complete. Homeowners will be notified in advance if their home requires this test.

Typically, the dye test field crew will consists of two persons. The field crews will arrive in well-identified field vehicles and have ID badges.

Why Is This Important To You?

The ongoing cooperation and participation of Newport residents, homeowners, and business owners in this program has been a major factor in its success so far. With continued cooperation from you, the City will continue to identify sources of rainfall entering the sanitary system, which contribute to Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

Additionally, while it is unlikely, it is possible that the dye may be visible in Newport Harbor as the dye is carried through and out the storm drains. The dye is yellow-green in color and is not harmful to people or the environment.

Dye Testing Contractor Contact Information

CH2M HILL
Phone: 617-626-7007
Email: NewportBuildingInspection@ch2m.com