Promoting Water Sustainability: Scheduled Maintenance for Water Supply Systems

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The City of Cape Town is implementing scheduled maintenance work from October 4th to 6th, 2023, to enhance the water supply infrastructure and safeguard this indispensable resource. This includes conducting zero-pressure tests and conditional assessments in Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch, which will furnish the maintenance team with crucial data regarding the water supply conditions in the area. While some residents might experience reduced water pressure or even a temporary loss of water during the testing phase, the City reaffirms its dedication to delivering an effective and dependable service to its residents and encourages them to prepare for planned water supply disruptions.

Securing a Sustainable Future for Residents

In pursuit of securing the long-term welfare of its residents, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has publicized planned maintenance work from October 4th to 6th, 2023. The primary goal is to enhance the water supply infrastructure, thus safeguarding this indispensable resource. Recognizing the inconvenience caused, the City reaffirms its dedication to delivering an effective and dependable service to its residents.

The maintenance tasks comprise zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments. These tests involve conducting step-testing on the water supply network in Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch. Set to take place over two consecutive nights from 21:00 to 04:00, these tests will furnish the maintenance team with crucial data regarding the water supply conditions in the area.

Implementing Pressure Management Technology

ZPT and step-testing procedures are vital elements of pressure management technology installation. By pinpointing unmapped inflows, the maintenance team can enhance preparations for the implementation of cutting-edge pressure-reducing valves. Regrettably, some residents might experience reduced water pressure or even a temporary loss of water during the testing phase. Nonetheless, it is unfeasible to foresee which precise areas or streets will be impacted.

Executing conditional tests verifies that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network operate effectively, preserving pipeline durability and minimizing water waste resulting from pipe bursts. Despite potential pressure fluctuations, the team will endeavor to minimize any disruptions. These efforts correspond with the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy, which aims to decrease pipe bursts and water waste by managing water pressure more efficiently.

Maintenance Work and Schedule

Besides testing, maintenance work encompasses pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. The planned activities are as follows:

  1. Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch: starting at 21:00 on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, and resuming at 21:00 on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, overnight until 04:00 on Friday, October 6th, 2023.

  2. Nonkqubela area (Khayelitsha): Water supply will be suspended from 08:00 until 16:00 on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023. This will enable the maintenance team to safely install a 450mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline. Water tankers will be provided for domestic consumption where needed.

  3. Mowbray and Rondebosch: Water supply will be suspended from 09:00 until 19:00 on Thursday, October 5th, 2023, to allow the maintenance team to install a 300mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline and repair fire hydrants.

These planned initiatives are part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program, which aims to ensure a continuous water supply by addressing unaccounted-for water issues.

During larger-scale planned water supply disruptions, residents should consider the following:

  1. The timing of maintenance work has been meticulously planned to minimize disruption to water supply.

  2. All locations where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades occur are considered construction sites and are not accessible to the public.

  3. Maintenance work may be more intricate than expected, resulting in extended work durations.

  4. Following the restoration of water supply, the water might appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. If allowed to stand in a glass, the water will become clear.

Staying Updated and Preparing for Disruptions

Stay informed about the progress of maintenance work and the availability of water tankers, if applicable, by following the City of Cape Town’s Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts.

Residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions by:

  1. Storing sufficient water in clean, sealed containers beforehand.

  2. Keeping taps closed to prevent water loss and damage when the water supply is restored.

The City’s actions demonstrate its commitment to preserving water resources and ensuring a sustainable future for its residents.

1. What is the purpose of the scheduled maintenance work in Cape Town?

The purpose of the scheduled maintenance work is to enhance the water supply infrastructure and safeguard the resource.

2. When will the maintenance work take place?

The maintenance work will take place from October 4th to 6th, 2023.

3. What maintenance tasks will be conducted?

The maintenance tasks comprise zero-pressure tests and conditional assessments. These tests will furnish the maintenance team with crucial data regarding the water supply conditions in the area.

4. What is pressure management technology installation?

Pressure management technology installation involves pinpointing unmapped inflows to enhance preparations for the implementation of pressure-reducing valves.

5. Will residents experience any disruptions during the testing phase?

Some residents might experience reduced water pressure or even a temporary loss of water during the testing phase.

6. What can residents do to prepare for planned water supply disruptions?

Residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions by storing sufficient water in clean, sealed containers beforehand and keeping taps closed to prevent water loss and damage when the water supply is restored.

7. How can residents stay informed about the progress of maintenance work and the availability of water tankers?

Residents can stay informed about the progress of maintenance work and the availability of water tankers, if applicable, by following the City of Cape Town’s Twitter account, @CityofCTAlerts.

8. What is the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy?

The City’s Water Demand Management Strategy aims to decrease pipe bursts and water waste by managing water pressure more efficiently.

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