Planned water supply maintenance for 19 to 23 February
16 February 2024
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work in the identified areas, which will result in water supply disruptions.Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments will be done on the water supply network on the following days, in these areas:
- Tuesday, 20 February 2024, from 10:00 until 16:00: Bellville South, Beroma, Glenhaven, Labiance and Kasselsvlei.
- Wednesday, 21 February 2024, from 10:00 until 17:00: Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay Heights, Hangberg, Bayview and Hout Bay Central.
- Friday, 23 February 2024, from 10:00 until 16:00: Westlake Industrial area.
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-reducing 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, including pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements will result in water supply disruption to these areas:
- Parts of Hout Bay (Baviaanskloof and surrounds)
The maintenance team will be replacing three control valves on the water supply network from 09:00 until 17:00 on Tuesday, 20 February 2024. This will ensure completion and optimal operation of the newly installed pipelines along Baviaanskloof Road. The water supply will be shut off during this period to enable the work to be done safely. Residents are kindly requested to store sufficient water for domestic use.
- Bloekoembos, Wallacedene, Sandringham, Belmont Park, Klein Begin, Peerless Park and Eikendal
The Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant will be shut down for 8 hours from 07:00 until 15:00 on Tuesday, 20 February 2024, to accommodate maintenance at the water treatment plant. Residents in these areas are kindly requested to reduce their water consumption during this period. The Drakenstein and Stellenbosch Municipalities as well as private consumers along the Wemmershoek pipeline have been notified to make alternate arrangements.
- Brackenfell
The maintenance team will be replacing a 400mm diameter meter insert on the Brackenfell pipeline from 10:00 until 15:00 on Thursday, 22 February 2024. The local reservoirs supplying the area will be filled up in advance and no impact is anticipated for the residents.
- Firgrove
The maintenance team will be replacing a 150mm diameter control valve on the water supply main to the area from 09:00 until 16:00 on Thursday, 22 February 2024. The water supply will be shut off during this period to enable the work to be done safely. Residents are kindly requested to store sufficient water for domestic use. If required, water tankers will be made available for domestic use and their locations will be determined and communicated on the day.
This work forms part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade 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:
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 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:
City of Cape Town, Media Office