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City resolves unplanned water supply disruption caused by bulk water pipeline maintenance

<p>Essential maintenance work on the Cape Flats bulk water pipeline network, which started early hours of this morning (Friday 16 September), is progressing well. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is aware of water supply disruptions in parts of the city which were not on the original list of affected areas for this operation. Water is still being rerouted from other parts of the water supply network so this situation should improve. <br></p>

<div>Significant progress has been made in resolving the water supply disruptions in areas outside of the original operational footprint. Please see http://bit.do/fVepv<div><br></div><div>These areas started experiencing low water pressure and supply disruptions early this morning when the first phase of the 75-hour bulk water pipeline maintenance period was under way. </div><div><br></div><div>The City’s Reticulation Department worked throughout the day to redirect water from other parts of the network to restore supply to these areas.</div><div><br></div><div>‘The City appreciates the patience of our residents during this very trying time. As we previously indicated, this shutdown operation is the first of its kind and extent in the City, and while every effort was made to ensure that our plans accounted for as many eventualities as possible, this unfortunate impact was entirely unexpected. We are very grateful to our teams for the work they’ve done in redirecting the water supply, and bringing relief to affected residents. We are also equally grateful for the patience displayed and cooperation from our residents in the affected areas,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.</div><div><br></div><div>THE 75-HOUR SHUTDOWN</div><div><br></div><div>The maintenance work is progressing well, with no problems experienced to date. </div><div><br></div><div>The teams on the ground are working around the clock to complete the valve replacements. </div><div><br></div><div>If all goes according to plan, water supply should start normalising by the early hours of Monday, 19 September 2022.</div><div><br></div><div>Residents in the affected areas are reminded to:</div><div><br></div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Use water sparingly in this period, only for essential use</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Try to avoid using the shower or bath as the water pressure may not be enough in low pressure areas.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Use greywater from washing to flush toilets.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Use a bucket or bowl in the sink to wash dishes. Do not fill the whole sink with water.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Spot-clean clothes where necessary.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>No hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal tap water is allowed.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Alternative water coming directly from boreholes and well-points should not be used for drinking, cooking (and food preparation) or body washing, as it is not treated municipal tap water and it could be contaminated.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Do not water gardens or top up swimming pools with tap water, as these are not essential use.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>In areas where there is no water, it is advisable to make sure your geyser is turned off for the duration of the pipeline maintenance period to prevent any damage.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Ensure that all taps are closed to prevent water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored.</div><div><br></div><div>WHEN NORMAL WATER SUPPLY STARTS AGAIN</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Water will slowly fill the supply pipe network once the work is complete. This is to prevent pipe bursts.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>For a short period the water may be discoloured or look milky. This is because of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the appearance will become clear, like normal. </div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>You can open an outside tap to expel any trapped air in the plumbing on your property. This water can be stored in a container for later use, so it’s not wasted.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Information</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>On how to use water wisely, and use greywater or other alternative water safely especially during the period of this shutdown visit: www.capetown.gov.za/savewater</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>For updates on this maintenance operation, follow the City’s Twitter account @CityofCTAlerts, WhatsApp to 060 018 1505, email water@capetown.gov.za or call 0860 103 089.</div><div><br><br></div></div><div></div><div><br><br></div><p><br></p>

2022-09-15T22:00:00Z

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