UPDATE: Planned water supply maintenance from 23 October 2023
23 October 2023
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers, which will result in water supply disruptions.This work will result in water supply disruptions in these areas:
Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments
- Plumstead and Wynberg
Conditional assessments are presently being done on the water supply network in these areas until Thursday, 30 November 2023. This will result in the possibility of lower than usual pressure experienced for up to 1,5 hours during the day in some parts as the assessments progress. - Table View, Flamingo Vlei and Bloubergstrand
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas from 21:00 on Tuesday, 24 October 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Wednesday, 25 October 2023. - Heldervue – Somerset West
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in this area from 21:00 on Tuesday, 24 October 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Wednesday, 25 October 2023. - Plumstead
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in this area from 21:00 on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Thursday, 26 October 2023. - Claremont, Newlands and Rondebosch
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas from 21:00 on Thursday, 26 October 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Friday, 27 October 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-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 – Pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements
This work will result in the water supply disruption to these areas:
- Hout Bay
The water supply to various roads in this area is presently being shut-off intermittently from 08:00 until 16:00 during weekdays until Friday, 3 November 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to safely do valve replacements and fire hydrant upgrades in the area. Notices indicating the dates of the affected roads will be circulated in advance. Residents are kindly requested to store sufficient water in advance and to keep their taps closed on the day to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored. - Knole Park, Ottery
The water supply to this area will be shut-off from 08:00 until 24:00 on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to safely install a 300mm water meter. A water tanker will be placed in the area to provide water for domestic consumption. This work was postponed from 14 September 2023 due to inclement weather. - Athlone – Athlone CBD, Hazendal and Crawford areas
The water supply to these areas will be shut-off from 09:00 until 17:00 on Thursday, 26 October 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to replace a defective isolation valve on the pipeline. It will result in the disruption of the water supply for the duration of the work. Some areas will experience low water pressure and others no water.
Maintenance work planning – Test Shut-offs to plan pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements
- Claremont/Newlands – Main Road between Campground and Old Stanhope Roads and surrounds
The water supply to this area will be shut off temporarily from 09:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday, 25 October 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to do planning for the replacement of defective isolation valves. It will result in the disruption of the water supply for the duration of the exercise. Some areas will experience low water pressure and others no water. - Kenilworth/Claremont – Between Garfield and Selous Roads including Belvedere Road and surrounds
The main water supply to this area will be shut off temporarily from 09:00 and 17:00 on Thursday, 26 October 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to do planning for the replacement of defective isolation valves. It will result in the disruption of the water supply for the duration of the exercise. Some areas will experience low water pressure and others no water. - Newlands – Main Road between Campground and Old Stanhope Roads and surrounds
The water supply to this area will be shut off temporarily from 09:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to do planning for the replacement of defective isolation valves. It will result in the disruption of the water supply for the duration of the exercise. Some areas will experience low water pressure and others no water.
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 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 Twitter account.
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.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office