DYE TESTS - RESIDENTIAL - 1 & 2 FAMILY
KEYWORD
QUESTION
ANSWER
What is  What is a dye test? The City of Lakewood's Public Works Department inserts a dye into all downspouts, area / driveway drain and any other exterior drain that may be on the property. They then observe (at the street) which sewer (sanitary or storm) the dye appears in.
Why  Why do I need a dye test? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has a required mandate that The City of Lakewood enforces. All drains / downspouts that could receive rainwater shall be tested to make sure that the rainwater is flowing into the storm sewer and not the sanitary sewer.

See Proper Sewer Connections

If the rainwater is flowing into the sanitary sewer, it must be removed and put into the storm sewer or (at the approval of the City of Lakewood's Engineering Department), the downspout maybe splashblocked or reconnected.

Time required for test How long does it take to get the dye test results? Typically the dye test results could take up to 5 - 10 working days depending on the time of year the request is made and the sewer connection found.
Cost Is there any cost for a dye test? No
When What projects are required to have dye test?
  1. New gutters and downspouts
  2. Waterproofing
  3. Driveway drains
  4. Garage gutters tied into the sewer system (Not splashblocked)
  5. Yard / area drains

Frequently Asked Questions
City of Lakewood Divison of Housing & Building