​The City continues to prepare automated pressure zones for the implementation of pressure management. This technology reduces the flow of water and thus helps to reduce water usage. To install an automated zone, the City needs to test the integrity of the local reticulation network.

Work is scheduled to take place from this evening, Tuesday 13 February 2018 from 20:00 to 04:00 in the Cape Town CBD, Foreshore and Zonnebloem areas which are bounded by the N1 Freeway and Heerengracht Road to the north, Bree Street to the west, Searle Street to the east and Keizersgracht Street to the south.

We have recently successfully tested areas including the Cape Town CBD, Green Point, Paarden Eiland, Woodstock, Salt River, Epping, Delft and Brooklyn. Testing is happening across the metro.

‘The pressure management programme started in 2004. There are more than 115 automated zones across the city which are being prioritised based on their leak and burst rates. Areas with high water pressure typically experience more leaks and bursts.

‘Other areas will be informed of supply disruptions in due course. At least 25 areas across the city have been identified that could benefit from this technology. Affected areas are requested not to stockpile large volumes of municipal water as the service interruptions are not expected to be in effect for long periods.

‘The City thanks residents for their cooperation in reducing water consumption thus far, and regrets any inconvenience this pressure management work will cause but it is absolutely vital that we try everything in our power to stretch our water supplies through summer and into winter,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.

Not only does pressure management generally lower consumption by reducing the rate at which water flows to properties, it also reduces the risk of leaks and pipe bursts by better ensuring that pressure remains within levels that reduce stress on the infrastructure.

At all times careful consideration is being given to ensure minimal disruption to the water supply in the affected areas. Roll-outs to other parts of the metro will be communicated in due course.

Please keep all taps closed and store 5 to10 litres of water for essential purposes during this time. Do not store an excessive amount of municipal water.

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