BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The result of recent smoke tests conducted by the North Baldwin Utilities indicates several problems in a dozen downtown Bay Minette drainage pipes.

During Thursday’s meeting of the NBU Board, General Manager Jason Padgett said workers found “12 defects in the sewer system where storm water was getting in.”

However, in a telephone interview, he said those results are not cause for concern.

“The water is coming in,” Padgett said. “It’s not going out.”

According to Padgett, most of the 12 sites identified require small repairs.

However, one major issue was found on the north side of Courthouse Square on Hand Avenue, he said, explaining that the site shows storm water entering the sanitary-sewer system and requires further investigation.

“There is a cross connection somewhere that we haven’t located yet,” Padgett said.

NBU plans to continue tests for about one month, according to Padgett. Then it plans to rent a camera truck to further investigate all the leaks that have been discovered.

“It will send a camera up the storm drain to look for where there’s potential over into the drain,” he said. “We’re making some headway, and we’re very encouraged by what we’ve found.”

As for the 12 problems that were uncovered, nine have been repaired, Padgett said, explaining that some minor punctures are caused by lawn mower blades and by digging or power company drilling.

Padgett explained that routine maintenance is necessary to prevent overflows because problems can arise during significant rain events that cause runoff into the sewer.