Residents in the Lakes Tauranga are being notified of smoke testing, which is set to take place in the area over the next few weeks.

Smoke testing is a way of capturing ‘inflow and infiltration', says a council spokesperson.

'It is the best method of finding any leaks in our wastewater network or incorrect connections.

'Domestic houses are connected to our wastewater network, so the smoke itself will be seen at a gully traps and toilet vents.”

The test is done city-wide, and at the moment council is working in The Lakes area.

'Smoke is pumped into the wastewater system, and then the operator looks to see where it escapes ensuring that it comes from the right places.”

The length of work is dependent on the catchment of houses and pipes that are linked to a manhole and whether any issues are found, says council.

'This is a good safe practice used throughout New Zealand. It minimise the amount of rainwater that gets into our sewers and reduces overflows.