Cape Town will experience disruptions in water supply due to maintenance work and infrastructure upgrades. Residents in affected areas should make alternative arrangements for their water supply during this period and store enough water for their needs. The planned works will ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply network for the residents in the future.
What is the planned water supply disruption in Cape Town for maintenance work?
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will perform maintenance work and upgrade infrastructure, which may result in lower-than-normal water pressure and temporary shutdowns in certain areas. Residents in affected areas should make alternative arrangements for their water supply during this period and store enough water for their needs. Advanced testing and necessary repairs and replacements will ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply network in the future.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is set to undertake a series of planned disruptions to the city’s water supply in the coming weeks to perform maintenance work and upgrade infrastructure. Residents in affected areas should make alternative arrangements for their water supply during this period.
Conducting Conditional Assessments and Zero-Pressure Tests
The directorate is currently carrying out conditional assessments and zero-pressure tests (ZPT) on water supply networks in Plumstead and Wynberg. This may result in lower-than-normal pressure in some areas during the day. Conditional testing ensures that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network function effectively and manage pressures at determined settings to maintain the pipeline’s lifespan and minimize water wastage due to pipe bursts.
Pipe and Valve Installations, Repairs, and Replacements
The maintenance work encompasses pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements in Parklands, Suikerbossie, Site C (Khayelitsha), and Kenilworth/Claremont. Residents in these areas can expect disruptions in water supply and temporary shutdowns throughout these operations. Water tankers will be made available for domestic water consumption when needed.
The City has meticulously planned these maintenance works to cause as little disruption as possible. Nevertheless, maintenance work can sometimes be more complicated than initially thought, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions. Furthermore, all sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades take place are considered construction sites and are not accessible to the public.
Once the water supply is restored, residents may notice that the water appears discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. The water will regain its clear color if left to stand.
To prepare for these disruptions, residents should keep taps closed to prevent water loss and/or damage and store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers to last during this period.
Advanced Testing for Pressure Management Technology
Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are conducted in advance as part of the installation process for the City’s pressure management technology. These tests help identify any unmapped inflows that need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves, ensuring more effective water pressure management and reducing the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.
In summary, Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is undertaking a series of planned works to improve the city’s water supply infrastructure. Affected residents should arrange for alternative water supply during these disruptions and store enough water for their needs. The City is working to minimize the impact of these disruptions and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of its residents.
With these planned maintenance works and infrastructure upgrades, Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate aims to ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply network for its residents. By conducting advanced testing and carrying out necessary repairs and replacements, the City is taking proactive measures to reduce water wastage and extend the lifespan of its pipelines. As a result, Cape Town’s residents can expect improvements in water pressure management and minimized risks of pipe bursts in the future.
1. What is the planned water supply disruption in Cape Town for maintenance work?
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will perform maintenance work and upgrade infrastructure, which may result in lower-than-normal water pressure and temporary shutdowns in certain areas.
2. Why is the maintenance work necessary?
The planned works will ensure a more reliable and efficient water supply network for the residents in the future. Advanced testing and necessary repairs and replacements will reduce water wastage and extend the lifespan of its pipelines.
3. What areas will be affected by the disruptions?
The disruptions will take place in Plumstead, Wynberg, Parklands, Suikerbossie, Site C (Khayelitsha), and Kenilworth/Claremont.
4. Will there be water tankers available for domestic water consumption during the disruptions?
Yes, water tankers will be made available for domestic water consumption when needed.
5. Why might the water appear discolored or milky after the water supply is restored?
Residents may notice that the water appears discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. The water will regain its clear color if left to stand.
6. What should residents do to prepare for the disruptions?
Residents should keep taps closed to prevent water loss and/or damage and store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers to last during this period.
7. What tests are being conducted in advance as part of the installation process for the City’s pressure management technology?
Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are conducted in advance to identify any unmapped inflows that need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves, ensuring more effective water pressure management and reducing the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.
8. How can residents stay up-to-date on the maintenance works and disruptions?
Residents can visit the Cape Town Today website for updates on the planned maintenance works and disruptions.
