Planned water supply maintenance from 20 to 23 May
19 May 2024
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work in the identified areas, which will result in water supply disruptions. The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused. This critical maintenance work is done on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to take note of the work that will take place and prepare accordingly.
Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments will be done on the water supply network in the following areas:
- Tuesday, 21 May 2024, from 10:00 until 16:00: Blackheath Industrial, Gaylee, Austinville, Happy Valley (Blackheath)
- Tuesday, 21 May 2024, from 09:00 until 16:00: Claremont, Rondebosch, Kenilworth
- Wednesday, 22 May 2024, from 10:00 until 16:00: Voëlvlei, Sarepta, Oakdene, Kalkfontein, Gersham (Kuils River)
- Thursday, 23 May 2024, from 09:00 until 17:00: Mfuleni (Blue Downs)
- Thursday, 23 May 2024, from 10:00 until 16:00: Claremont, Rondebosch, Kenilworth
Pressure management installations and operations
Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are part of the installation process for pressure management technology. Tests are done in advance to see if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves (PRVs).
In these affected areas, some residents may experience low water pressure, and some may have no water coming out of their taps for some time during this testing period. It is not possible to predict which areas or streets will experience disruptions.
Conditional testing on the other hand ensures that the pressure-reducing valves in the water supply network are operating effectively and managing the pressures at the determined settings to preserve the lifespan of the pipeline and reduce the occurrence of water wastage resulting from pipe bursts. Pressure fluctuations may be experienced, but will be minimised as far as possible.
This work forms part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy. Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.
Maintenance work, including pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements will result in water supply disruption to these areas:
Llandudno
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing maintenance on the pressure reducing valve (PRV) on the main water supply pipeline to Llandudno from 09:00 until 16:00 on Monday, 20 May 2024. This could possibly result in the disruption of the water supply to the area if there are any challenges with the by-pass when opened. Residents are kindly requested to store enough water as a precautionary measure.
Parts of Southfield
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be shutting off the water supply to Wynsam Way, Southfield, from 09:00 until 18:00 on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. This will enable the safe completion of construction work on the main water supply to the area. The maintenance team will be connecting the newly-installed water pipeline along Wynsam Way to the existing water pipelines along Princess Vlei Road and Desande Road. This will result in the disruption of water supply along Wynsam Way and surrounds in Southfield during this period. Residents are kindly requested to store enough water as a precautionary measure.
What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:
1. Careful consideration has been given to the planning of this work to ensure it is being done at a time that is least disruptive to the water supply.
2. All sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are deemed to be construction sites and, as such, are off-limits to members of the public.
3. Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer.
4. For a short period after the supply has been restored, 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.
For updates on the maintenance work (and location of tankers where applicable), follow @CityofCTAlerts which is a City of Cape Town X account (formerly Twitter).
How residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions:
1. Store enough water in clean, sealed containers in advance for use during this period.
2. Keep your taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.
End
Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
