NEW CITY CAMERA SET TO SHOOT PROBLEM SEWERS

Just two weeks old at the Waukon City Water Works is a brand new camera built for taking pictures of a whole different nature.
The Flexicam Video System camera has been purchased by the city to film potential sewer problems throughout the community.
According to Bob Campbell, city water superintendent, the camera is capable of locating infiltrated roots, broken tile and plugged areas. "If you're under a street that's been recently blacktopped, you can pinpoint the exact trouble spot," says Campbell.
Obviously, this capacity will save unnecessary digging to city roadways and the subsequent repair expense normally incurred after sewer work is completed.
To view a potential sewer problem, city workers insert the camera's cable into an average three-inch sewer pipe. The camera, utilizing either black and white or color film, requires a standard VHS tape for filming. The situation may then be monitored closely on screen. With capacity for sound, the maintenance worker is able to speak on film instead of jotting notes concerning the problem.
Purchased from Municipal Pipe and Tool of Hudson, the unit, consisting of a television monitor, two lenses and cable, totalled $8,500. The equipment is under warranty and city workers have been instructed in its use by a company sales representative.
"The reason we got the camera," says Campbell, "is to serve the community's needs at a moment's notice."
The camera will also be available for use by private homeowners. A residential sewer may be accessed at $135 for two hours; each additional hour is priced at $50. Homeowners will be asked to supply their own videotape, and use of the service is by appointment only. "I don't foresee," says Campbell, "the average call taking over two hours."
Campbell has notified area plumbers of the camera. "Most of the time," he says, "it's going to be plumbers who recommend it. If they want to pinpoint the problem, they'll refer the person to us."
Previously, the city had to contract such work to outside contractors, at an annual cost, reports Campbell, of five to six thousand dollars. As far as he knows, the city's camera is the only available unit in Allamakee County. Whether or not the city will lend the item out to surrounding communities has not yet been determined.
This September, a new sewer jet machine is due for delivery. The unit, carrying 2000 pounds of pressure, can cut roots and clean the city's main sewer. It is not for individual home use. It will replace the city's current jet machine, which was purchased in 1983.
"Once we get caught up in our work," says Campbell, "we're going to use the new camera to videotape city areas we feel we should look at."
Seems like despite the interesting sludge the new screen's been showing, things are smelling good over at the City Water Works this summer.