Montpelier Residents Report Sewer Backup as Smoke Testing Delayed Two More Weeks

From the Board of Public Works & Safety meeting on August 12, 2026

A resident appeared before the Montpelier Board of Public Works on August 12 with a written complaint about ongoing sewer and stormwater drainage failures on the northwest end of town. The resident reported their sewer was full — they could not use their toilets — and stormwater was standing in their yard with no drainage.

Water Superintendent Chase Perry confirmed smoke testing notifications are being prepared but the actual testing will be delayed approximately two more weeks until the ground dries out. The August 11 derecho dropped 1.95 inches of rain on Montpelier, worsening the problem. Perry said the contractor handling smoke testing had miscommunication issues but is now "back to the original company" with all equipment ready.

The affected area near Windsor and Standard streets has only one storm drain serving it. The resident said storm and sewer separation work done roughly 40 years ago was apparently never completed properly and provided documentation. Perry acknowledged the system needs upsizing and plans to start smoke testing further south and work north, along with a full camera inspection.

Residents are experiencing sewage backup into their homes, which is a public health concern. If the problem stems from incomplete sewer separation work done decades ago, the fix could be expensive.

Source: YouTube transcript — Montpelier - Board of Public Works & Safety Meeting - August 12, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.