Get ready for a major upgrade in the city’s water supply system! From June 18th to 23rd, the Urban Water and Sanitation Department will be conducting maintenance strategies, which may result in low water pressure or no water. The plan includes tests and assessments, as well as the installation, repair, and replacement of pipes and valves. Stay informed and prepared by following @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter and storing enough water in sealed containers. Let’s work together to build a better and more efficient water management system for our city!
Anticipating citywide water supply maintenance? The Urban Water and Sanitation Department will be initiating a series of maintenance strategies scheduled from June 18th to June 23rd, 2024. These maintenance routines are part of the installation plan for pressure management technology, which may result in low water pressure or potentially no water. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared by following @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter and storing sufficient water in sealed containers.
The Urban Water and Sanitation Department is set to initiate a series of deliberate water supply maintenance strategies from June 18th to June 23rd, 2024. This meticulously planned project is designed to enhance the performance and effectiveness of our city’s water infrastructure, a move that promises to improve the lives of city dwellers. However, the city may face temporary water supply interruptions, an unfortunate but necessary part of this progressive endeavor. The Department expresses its deepest apologies for the inconveniences that may arise. Residents are urged to stay informed, be prepared, and adapt during this period.
Scheduled Maintenance Initiatives
The broad-spectrum maintenance plan incorporates zero-pressure tests (ZPTs) and situational evaluations of the water supply network in a variety of areas. Protea Hoogte, Sonkring, and Brackenfell South will be the focus on June 18th and 19th. Eversdal, Rosendal, Rosenpark, O’Kennedyville, and Ridgeworth will follow on June 19th. On June 20th, Vredekloof, Welgelee, Arauna, Morgenster, St Kilda, Marlborough Park, Brackenfell Industrial, and Okavango Park will undergo their turn. Lastly, on the same day, Voëlvlei, Sarepta, Oakdene, Kalkfontein, and Gersham – Kuils River will be reviewed.
Implication of the Maintenance Activities
These maintenance routines are part of the installation plan for pressure management technology. Initial steps include performing zero-pressure tests and step-testing, to identify any undocumented inflows before the actual installation of smart pressure-reducing valves (PRVs). The short-term impact of these procedures may result in low water pressure or potentially no water. While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact locations of these disruptions, the Department is steadfast in its commitment to minimize their occurrence.
The depth of the project also includes investigation into zone management to optimize the existing infrastructure’s efficiency. The plan is also devised to reduce pipe bursts and water wastage by managing water pressure better, forming one of the strategies of the City’s Water Demand Management.
Additional Maintenance Components
The maintenance project is not limited to tests and assessments. It also involves the installation, repair, and replacement of pipes and valves. Anticipate disruption in Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Lower Constantia, Tokai, and Westlake due to emergency pipeline repairs on June 18th and 19th. Somerset Ridge, Westridge, and Audas Estate – Somerset West will also experience disruption due to control valve installations on June 19th and 20th. Khayelitsha’s Site C area will face a water supply disruption on June 20th due to meter and pressure reducing valve (PRV) installation.
Temporary Shutdown of Water Treatment Plant
A crucial aspect of this project includes the temporary shutdown of the Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant. This step is intended to ensure future water supply continuity by addressing the issue of unaccounted-for water. This is part of the Department’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program.
Even though the Water and Sanitation Department has carefully planned these disruptions to cause the least inconvenience, it’s important to note that maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than initially anticipated, leading to potential extensions. It is also worth noting that once the water supply is restored, there may be instances of discolored or cloudy water due to trapped air in the pipes. This issue should resolve itself if the water is left to stand in a glass.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Residents can stay updated with the latest news about the maintenance work and the location of water tankers (if needed) by following @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter.
To prepare for these disruptions, residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the supply is restored. This temporary disruption is a strategic move towards a more efficient and sustainable urban water management system. This is an invaluable opportunity for residents to show their resilience and adaptability in the face of change and progress. As we navigate these planned works, the Water and Sanitation Department deeply appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation.
1. What is the purpose of the citywide water supply maintenance?
The citywide water supply maintenance is aimed at installing pressure management technology to enhance the performance and effectiveness of the city’s water infrastructure, as well as to reduce pipe bursts and water wastage by managing water pressure better.
2. When will the maintenance take place?
The maintenance is scheduled from June 18th to June 23rd, 2024.
3. What areas will be affected by the maintenance activities?
The maintenance will be conducted in different areas on different days. The affected areas include Protea Hoogte, Sonkring, Brackenfell South, Eversdal, Rosendal, Rosenpark, O’Kennedyville, Ridgeworth, Vredekloof, Welgelee, Arauna, Morgenster, St Kilda, Marlborough Park, Brackenfell Industrial, Okavango Park, Voëlvlei, Sarepta, Oakdene, Kalkfontein, Gersham – Kuils River, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Lower Constantia, Tokai, Westlake, Somerset Ridge, Westridge, Audas Estate – Somerset West, and Khayelitsha’s Site C area.
4. What can residents expect during the maintenance period?
Residents may experience low water pressure or potentially no water during the maintenance period. Once the water supply is restored, there may be instances of discolored or cloudy water due to trapped air in the pipes. This issue should resolve itself if the water is left to stand in a glass.
5. How can residents stay informed about the maintenance work and water supply disruptions?
Residents can stay updated with the latest news about the maintenance work and the location of water tankers (if needed) by following @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter.
6. What can residents do to prepare for the maintenance period?
Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers and keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the supply is restored.
