Sewerage Inspection and Smoke Testing

Published on 20 July 2026

NOTIFICATION OF SEWERAGE INSPECTION AND INVESTIGATION WORK

Sewerage systems are not designed to accommodate stormwater as this additional water causes:

• reduced capacity of the sewerage network and potential upgrade costs
• sewage overflows into waterways, which can lead to environmental harm and risks to community health as well as adverse impacts to the local oyster industry.
• increased pumping and treatment costs
• adverse effects to treated sewage effluent quality.

Nambucca Valley Council have engaged a Specialist Contractor (Fitt Resources) to undertake investigation works on the sewerage system in areas of Macksville and Scotts Head with a view to identifying sources of stormwater inflow and infiltration into these systems.

Fitt Resources staff will need to enter your property to complete the investigation work, and they will be carrying identification that confirms that they are Council Contractor.

Work is programmed for your property area from 20 July to 3 August 2026.

Council’s priority is to minimise any inconvenience to you and all work will be undertaken during normal working hours.  Access to your house will not be required and you do not need to be home while the work is being performed.

Smoke testing will also be carried out to assist in the identification of defects. The smoke testing is non-toxic and is harmless to pets and plants.

Where stormwater connections to Council’s sewerage system are identified a notice under the Local Government Act will be issued to the property owner requiring a licensed plumber remove the connection or otherwise undertake rectification work. Council will provide a standard period for the rectification works of 6 months.

Council seeks your understanding and co-operation during these important works, however if you have any additional queries, please contact Mr. Brett Corven, Manager Water and Sewerage on 6568 0234. Should you have a problem with the actual works being undertaken you are requested to contact Council’s Water and Sewerage Co-ordinator Mr Derek Prowse direct in the first instance on 0437 526 381.