Critical Maintenance Work on Cape Town’s Water Supply

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is set to conduct critical maintenance work on water supply infrastructure. This work will take place from May 19th to May 26th in various parts of the city. The primary objective of this maintenance is to ensure the continuity of water supply and address unaccounted-for water.

The Maintenance Work

The maintenance work will involve various pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Residents in Bantry Bay and Fresnaye will experience a water supply shut off from 21:30 on May 19th until 08:00 on May 20th to facilitate a control valve installation on a leaking pipeline. During this time, a water tanker will be available to provide water for domestic consumption.

Additionally, the Newlands Reservoir will be closed for maintenance from May 22nd to June 4th, which may result in lower-than-normal water pressure for residents in Mowbray, Rosebank, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont, Kenilworth, and Wynberg.

Impact on Residents

Zero-pressure tests, step tests, and conditional assessments will be conducted in Mowbray, Salt River, and Woodstock over three consecutive evenings. As a result, residents in these areas may experience low water pressure or temporary water supply disruptions.

Residents are advised to keep the following in mind:

1. The timing of maintenance work is carefully planned to minimize disruption.
2. All water and sanitation repair sites are strictly off-limits to the public.
3. Maintenance work may sometimes take longer if it is more complex than initially anticipated.
4. The water may appear discolored or milky after the supply has been restored due to trapped air in the pipes.

Stay Informed

To stay informed about maintenance work and locate water tankers, residents are encouraged to follow the City of Cape Town’s official Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts.

Preparation

Residents are advised to take the following steps in preparation for planned water supply disruptions:

1. Store an adequate amount of water in clean, sealed containers.
2. Keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the supply is restored.