Update on planned water supply disruptions for the week ahead- from 3 May 2023
28 April 2023
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,
but it must maintain its water supply infrastructure to benefit its consumers. Residents
in the affected areas below are encouraged to take note of the work that will
be taking place in their areas.
Zero-Pressure Tests, Step Tests and Conditional Assessments
Vredenberg, Bellair, Belair, Oakglen, La Rochelle, Blomtuin and Blommendal
Zero pressure tests as well as meter clamp-on installations will be conducted on the main water supply to these areas. This work will result in the intermittent disruption of the water supply as well as low water pressure at times in these areas from Wednesday, 3 May 2023, from 21:00 overnight until 11:00 on Friday, 5 May 2023.
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.
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 overnight 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 reduction valves (PRVs) 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 – Pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacement
- Bakkerskloof area in Lynn's View (Somerset West)
The City's Water and Sanitation Directorate needs to urgently insert a water meter on the main water supply pipeline to the Bakkerskloof area in Lynn's View in Somerset West on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 from 10:00 until 15:00. This will result in the disruption of the water supply to the area, but will enable the maintenance team to do the meter installation safely. Alternate water supply will be rerouted to this area and it will result in lower water pressure in this area.
- Bellville CBD, Triangle Farm, Bellville South, Labiance, Greenlands, Glenhaven and Stikland
The faulty control valves on the main water supply to these areas needs to be replaced urgently and will require that the water supply be shut off from Tuesday, 9 May 2023 at 19:00 until Wednesday, 10 May 2023 at 04:30.
This work forms part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate's proactive infrastructure maintenance programme which ensures the future continuity of water supply by addressing the issue of unaccounted-for water.
The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused.
What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:
- 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.
- 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.
- Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, resulting in it taking longer.
- 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 Twitter account.
How residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions:
- Store enough water in clean sealed containers that will last for your use during this period.
- Keep your taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
