Planned Water Supply Maintenance: What You Need To Know

The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be conducting critical maintenance work on the 24th and 25th of August, causing water supply disruptions in certain areas. This maintenance work is essential for improving water supply infrastructure and minimizing the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.

Maintenance Tests

The maintenance work will include zero-pressure tests, step tests, and conditional assessments. These tests are necessary for installing pressure management technology and identifying any unmapped inflows before installing smart pressure-reducing valves. During the testing period, residents in affected areas might experience low water pressure or temporary water supply interruptions.

Conditional testing is also crucial for ensuring that pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network work efficiently, preserving the pipeline’s lifespan and reducing water wastage due to pipe bursts. Although pressure fluctuations might occur, the City will minimize them as much as possible.

Maintenance Actions

Apart from testing procedures, the maintenance work also involves pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements, causing water supply disruptions in certain areas during the maintenance period. These actions are part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy, which aims to manage water pressure more effectively.

Factors to Consider

Residents should be aware of the following factors surrounding planned water supply disruptions:

1. The timing of the works has been carefully considered to minimize disruption to the water supply.
2. All sites where repairs and upgrades take place are off-limits to the public.
3. Maintenance work may be more complex than anticipated, resulting in a longer duration of the works.
4. After the water supply has been restored, the water may appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes.

Preparing for Disruptions

To prepare for planned water supply disruptions, residents should store enough water in clean, sealed containers for use during the maintenance period. It is also advisable to keep taps closed to prevent water loss or damage when the water supply is restored.

Updates

Residents can follow @CityofCTAlerts, the official City of Cape Town Twitter account, for updates on the maintenance work (and location of tankers where applicable). By staying informed and prepared, residents can minimize the impact of these necessary maintenance works on their daily lives. The City regrets any inconvenience caused and encourages residents to be aware of the scheduled work.