City of Kinston to conduct smoke testing of sewer system Tuesday

The City of Kinston announced it will conduct smoke testing on portions of its stormwater and sewer collection system Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to a notice posted on the city's Facebook page, the testing will help assess the condition of the sanitary sewer collection system.

Testing will take place along East Caswell Street from Northeast Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and along Northeast Street from East Cowell Street to Sampson Lane.

Residents and motorists in these areas may notice a smoky odor or see smoke coming from streets and yards during testing hours.

City officials emphasized that the smoke is produced by a smoke machine as part of the testing process and does not indicate a fire.

However, residents who see or smell smoke inside a building and are unsure of its source are advised to call 911.

The testing is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m. Tuesday.