After two downtown businesses reported smelling sewer odors, the city of Hays will conduct a smoke test on the lines beginning Monday at 1 p.m.

The test will be conducted between 10th and 11th streets on Main.

According to Assistant City Manager Paul Briseno, the smoke is injected into the sewer system and rises. If the line is damaged, the smoke is easily visible.

The city alerted the public because smoke could be seen rising from downtown manholes, roof vents and floor drains.

“The city sent the notification out as we didn’t want people to be alarmed if they saw smoke in the downtown area,” Briseno said.

The testing should be completed by 1:30 p.m. Monday. For more information,, call the Utilities Department at (785) 628-7380.