Impacted homeowners have received physical door hangers with instruction and information

A City of Norman contractor – Duke’s Root Control – will be conducting testing on the sanitary sewer system within a small section of Brookhaven northeast of and near the intersection of 48th Avenue NW and Robinson Street on 10/22/25 that will cause the appearance of smoke in the area. A section of the adjacent Rock Creek Polo Club neighborhood will also undergo testing. This area was identified for additional investigation based on previous assessments of the sewers in this area. 

Testing will occur outdoors at required manholes; no one will need to enter a residence. Testing will affect less than 100 homes. Impacted residents should have received door hangers notifying them of the testing. Door hangers contain a QR code to a short overview video about “smoke testing” the sanitary sewer lines along with instructions for impacted homeowners. Key among these instructions is to pour water into drains or fixtures not commonly used.

Smoke testing forces odorless smoke into the City sanitary sewer system to identify issues with the City system and potential connections with the stormwater system. Be advised that testing will cause the appearance of smoke to emerge from vent pipes and manholes and potential defects within the system: 

• Smoke from the vent pipes and manholes indicates that system is working correctly;
• Smoke from within the yard can be indicative of public or private sewer defects; and,
• Smoke from downspouts and storm sewers indicate an improper connection.

All Duke’s representatives – who will be on site to observe results – will have identification badges and will be wearing company uniforms at all times. Testing is not expected to cause any road closures or service delays. Questions may be directed to the City of Norman at 405-366-5443.

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