Planned Maintenance Work for Cape Town’s Water Supply

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has planned maintenance work in various parts of the city to ensure the continuity of future water supply. The maintenance work includes pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. The areas affected by the maintenance work include Hout Bay, Claremont, Rondebosch, Newlands, and Bishopscourt.

Residents are advised to plan ahead for alternative water supply arrangements during the water supply disruptions. The City advises that maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions.

Maintenance Work in Different Areas

In Hout Bay, the construction of two PRV (Pressure-Reducing Valve) chambers on Andrews Road will commence, resulting in water supply disruptions. The work will be carried out on Tuesday, 11 April 2023. However, residents in the area will be notified in advance.

In Claremont, Rondebosch, Newlands, and Bishopscourt, the City will conduct zero-pressure tests, step tests, and conditional assessments on Thursday, 13 April 2023, between 10 am and 4 pm. The conditional assessments will be conducted on the main water supply, which will result in intermittent disruptions. Zero-pressure tests will also be conducted, resulting in water supply disruptions. Between 9 pm on Thursday and 4 am on Friday, another set of conditional assessments will take place, which will again result in intermittent disruptions. Residents in the affected areas may experience low water pressure or no water supply during the testing period.

The maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions. After water supply is restored, the water may be discoloured or milky in appearance due to the presence of trapped air in the pipes. The City advises residents to keep taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage, as well as store enough water in clean, sealed containers to last during this period.

Importance of Infrastructure Maintenance

Maintenance work is an essential part of any infrastructure. In the case of the City of Cape Town, it is necessary to maintain a consistent water supply to residents. The Water and Sanitation Directorate’s infrastructure maintenance program ensures the future continuity of the City’s water supply. Pressure management installations and operations are part of the installation process for the City’s pressure management technology. Tests are done in advance to determine if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before the installation of smart pressure-reducing valves (PRV). Conditional testing ensures that the PRVs in the water supply network are operating effectively and managing the pressure at the determined settings to preserve the pipeline’s lifespan and reduce the occurrence of pipe bursts and water wastage.

In conclusion, while the maintenance work may cause temporary water supply disruptions, it is necessary to ensure the future continuity of the City’s water supply. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for alternative water supply arrangements during the scheduled maintenance work. The City’s efforts to maintain water infrastructure are essential to provide a consistent supply of water to the residents of Cape Town.