Dye Testing Program

Required prior to any real estate transaction, dye testing is a simple but effective tool used to determine connections between sewers, detect leaks, or find sources of water infiltrating sewers from the surrounding earth. During a dye test, a non toxic colored dye is introduced into drains, downspouts, or surface drains to visually confirm where the water flows. This helps confirm where and how water is being directed from one point to the next.

As a sanitary sewer system, WEWJA cannot accept stormwater flows into its sewer system. Dye testing helps WEWJA find illicit connections to the public sewer system from floor drains in buildings as well as downspouts, protecting sanitary sewers.

For residents, dye testing can reveal leaks or improper connections in private sewer laterals that may contribute to backups or unnecessary strain on the system. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their laterals, and identifying issues early can prevent costly repairs and protect the home. For the Authority, dye testing is a valuable tool for locating larger system deficiencies, reducing excess flow during heavy rain events, and supporting long term compliance and reliability across the collection system.