FORT SMITH — Homeowners in Fort Smith whose sewer lines are defective may soon be asked to repair them.
The city plans to track down defects in private sewer lines under an agreement forged last week with the federal government to upgrade and maintain the city's sanitary sewer system.
The Southwest Times Record reported that property owners will have up to 30 months to fix a service line, which could cost up to $1,500 for a full replacement.
City Administrator Ray Gosack said smoke testing will be conducted on sewer mains to target the problems. Gosack says defects in the pipe allow storm water and groundwater to get into the sewer system. Extraneous water ends up in the sewer mains and can cause overflows.
Fort Smith has about 850 miles of sewer lines.