Scheduled Water Supply Interruption in Cape Town

Cape Town will face a scheduled water supply interruption from April 23 to 25, 2024, due to essential maintenance work. The disruption will impact specific areas and may lead to reduced water pressure or a complete absence of water during zero-pressure tests. The maintenance work is being carried out as part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy and aims to manage water pressure more effectively, prevent pipe bursts, and reduce water wastage. Residents are advised to store enough water and turn off their geysers during the disruption.

Scheduled water supply interruption in Cape Town due to essential maintenance work from April 23 to 25, 2024. The disruption will impact specific areas and residents may experience reduced water pressure or complete absence of water during zero-pressure tests. The maintenance work is part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy to manage water pressure more effectively, prevent pipe bursts, and reduce water wastage. The City advises residents to store enough water for drinking, cooking, and bathing and to turn off their geysers during the period of disruption.

Disruption Due to Essential Maintenance

From April 23 to 25, 2024, Cape Town’s bustling city life will confront a brief interruption in its water supply. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will conduct this essential maintenance work. The city acknowledges the potential inconvenience resulting from this disruption, however; it is a necessary measure to ensure the sustainable operation of its water supply system.

This temporary halt is planned with immense precision, intending to maintain and enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure. The interruption will impact specific areas, but it’s crucial to remember that these measures are being taken for a greater good – a smooth and efficient water supply system.

Testing and Assessments as Key Phases

The areas affected by this well-strategized operation will be subjected to comprehensive zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and condition assessments. These evaluations lay the foundation for the installation of pressure management technology. Tests are carried out beforehand to detect any unidentified inflow before the placement of smart pressure-reducing valves (PRVs).

During this testing phase, residents in the affected areas might experience reduced water pressure or, in some scenarios, a complete absence of water. Due to the unpredictability of the tests, it’s challenging to determine the exact streets or zones that might face these disruptions.

Condition assessments, on the other hand, play a crucial role in optimising the performance and pressure management of the water supply network’s PRVs. Well-functioning valves are crucial for extending the pipeline’s lifespan, minimizing water wastage, and decreasing the probability of pipe bursts. As a result, residents may notice minor pressure fluctuations, but these will be limited as much as possible.

Strategy behind the Maintenance Work

This ongoing work is a fundamental component of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy. The objective is to manage water pressure more effectively, prevent pipe bursts, and reduce water wastage.

Certain areas are marked for disruption due to this maintenance work, which includes pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Helena Heights in Somerset West will face this on April 23, followed by the northern parts of the City on April 25.

Residents of the Drakenstein Municipality and those along the Voëlvlei pipeline have been informed about the upcoming disruptions and advised to make alternate arrangements during this time.

Communication and Preparations

The City acknowledges that this may cause some inconvenience, but the benefits of a robust water supply infrastructure outweigh the temporary disruption. This proactive maintenance and upgrade program by the Water and Sanitation Directorate aims to ensure reliability and continuity of water supply by addressing unaccounted-for water.

Large-scale planned water supply disruptions are scheduled to be as least disruptive as possible. Work zones are designated as construction sites and are hence prohibited to the public. Occasionally, the work may take longer than initially planned.

Residents should note that the water supply post-disruption may appear cloudy due to trapped air in the pipes. This is normal, and the water should clear up after standing in a glass for a short time.

To keep the community informed, the City will provide updates on the maintenance work and tanker locations, where necessary, through their City of Cape Town X account (formerly Twitter) @CityofCTAlerts.

To prepare for planned water supply disruptions, the City advises residents to store enough water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It also suggests filling up kettles, ice trays, and other containers and avoiding opening taps when the water supply is restored to prevent water hammer damage. They also encourage residents to fill up reservoirs, like swimming pools and rainwater tanks, before the disruption and to turn off their geysers during the period of disruption.

Commitment to Service Excellence

The City of Cape Town reassures its residents of its dedication to maintaining its superior water supply infrastructure, despite the temporary inconvenience. These measures ensure the dependable delivery of water to its residents. The City’s commitment to these efforts reflects its dedication to service excellence.

1. What is the reason for the scheduled water supply interruption in Cape Town?

The scheduled water supply interruption in Cape Town is due to essential maintenance work being carried out as part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy to manage water pressure more effectively, prevent pipe bursts, and reduce water wastage.

2. When will the water supply interruption take place?

The water supply interruption will take place from April 23 to 25, 2024.

3. Which areas will be affected by the water supply interruption?

The areas affected by the water supply interruption have been marked for disruption due to maintenance work, which includes pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. The areas include Helena Heights in Somerset West on April 23, followed by the northern parts of the City on April 25.

4. What can residents do to prepare for the water supply interruption?

Residents are advised to store enough water for drinking, cooking, and bathing and to turn off their geysers during the disruption. They should also fill up reservoirs, like swimming pools and rainwater tanks, before the disruption and avoid opening taps when the water supply is restored to prevent water hammer damage.

5. How will residents be informed about the maintenance work and tanker locations, if necessary?

The City will provide updates on the maintenance work and tanker locations, if necessary, through their City of Cape Town X account (formerly Twitter) @CityofCTAlerts.

6. What is the purpose of the maintenance work being carried out by the City?

The maintenance work being carried out by the City is part of their Water Demand Management Strategy to manage water pressure more effectively, prevent pipe bursts, and reduce water wastage. The City is committed to maintaining its superior water supply infrastructure and ensuring the dependable delivery of water to its residents.