From time to time The City of Willard’s Public Works Department will be Smoke Testing Sanitary Sewer Lines.
The City of Willard Department of Public Works will use smoke testing to find cracks, breaks, and other problems with sewer lines that need to be repaired or possibly replaced. If you would like to see a video that demonstrates what smoke testing is and how it is used, please click on the video below. 
*Please note that although the video was not created by or for the City of Willard, it provides a good overview of how smoke testing works in Willard as well.

The smoke is safe and non-toxic to humans and pets. Should you have any further questions, please contact the City at the number listed above.  Your cooperation is appreciated.  
Large quantities of storm water in the sewer lines use up part of the pipe capacity needed to carry wastewater.  This system overloading can cause sewage backups and increases the cost of wastewater treatment that affects each homeowner through increased sewer charges.  The smoke should not enter into buildings unless leaks or plumbing defects exist.  Please notify any elderly or handicapped person in your neighborhood.  Please make sure that traps for all basement floor drains and other sink traps and plumbing fixtures are full of water by pouring approximately 24 ounces of water into each drain. 
Should you detect smoke in your building, the room should be ventilated through an open window or door.  Acute exposure can cause irritation of the respiratory system.  Individuals should not expect exposures that cause irritation.  Leave the area and ventilate well to dissipate the smoke.  Also, please notify the field technicians who are conducting the test, should smoke enter your building.     
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to successfully complete this important effort.

The Natural Resources Protection Fund sewer connection fee is a small annual fee collected by Missouri cities to protect the state's air, water, and land resources. The fee is based on the number and size of water service connections, as well as whether the connection is residential or commercial. For example, in Willard, Missouri, the fee is $0.80 for residential customers, $3.00 for commercial customers with a water meter up to 1 in, and $11.00 for commercial customers with a water meter between 1 in and 4 in. 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires cities to collect the fee and deposit it into the Natural Resources Protection Fund.

The City of Willard collects this fee and submits it to the state ONCE per year in January.