Council warning: ‘Nightclub smoke’ to billow from Aussie backyards

Artificial smoke is blown through the wastewater network to seek out illegal connections as well as leaks and defects. Source: Unitywater. Thousands of householders are being warned to prepare for thick smoke billowing from backyards in a bizarre move aimed at busting illegal activity and ratepayer bills. If you see thick smoke billowing from your lawn or roof gutters over the coming weeks, don’t call the fire brigade – but you might need to call a plumber. Smoke testing is set to get underway in the Moreton Bay area. Source: Unitywater In a subterranean blitz, water crews are pumping non-toxic theatrical vapour straight into underground pipe networks to hunt down dodgy plumbing, illegal stormwater drain connections, and multimillion-dollar infrastructure leaks. The artificial smoke – the exact same vapour used in nightclubs and theatre productions – is forced through wastewater mains under heavy pressure. Where it emerges above ground, it instantly exposes cracked pipes, broken seals and illegal downpipe connections – so if the grey smoke comes pouring out of your lawn, gully trap or roof gutters, you could be facing a mandatory private repair bill before the next storm hits. In Q...