Scheduled Water Supply Maintenance: Essential Information for Residents

The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City of Cape Town has announced planned maintenance work across various areas. This includes assessments of the water supply network through zero-pressure tests and step testing, as well as infrastructure maintenance through pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Residents can prepare for scheduled water supply disruptions by storing enough drinking water, filling containers with water for cleaning and sanitation purposes, limiting water usage to essential tasks, and being considerate of neighbors who may need help during water outages. Follow @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter for updates on maintenance work and tanker locations when applicable.

How do residents prepare for scheduled water supply disruptions?

Residents can prepare for scheduled water supply disruptions by storing enough drinking water before the disruption, filling containers with water for cleaning and sanitation purposes, limiting water usage during the disruption to essential tasks only, and being considerate of neighbors who may need help during water outages. It is also recommended to follow @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter for updates on maintenance work and tanker locations when applicable.

The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the city has revealed a planned maintenance schedule spanning from 30 October to 3 November 2023, which will cause water supply disruptions in various areas. This crucial work is necessary for maintaining the efficiency and prolonging the life of the city’s water infrastructure, ultimately benefiting its consumers. The Directorate encourages residents in the impacted areas to be mindful of these disruptions and take the appropriate precautions.

Assessing the Water Supply Network: Zero-Pressure Tests

Plumstead and Wynberg are the areas where the water supply network will undergo analysis and testing. These assessments, including zero-pressure tests (ZPT), will continue until 30 November 2023. Other areas experiencing ZPTs and conditional assessments are:

• Lynn’s View (Lower area) – Somerset West: from 21:00 on 31 October to 04:00 on 1 November 2023
• Hout Bay, Scott Estate, Chapmans Peak, and Baviaanskloof: from 21:00 on 31 October to 04:00 on 1 November 2023
• Die Wingerd, Greenway Rise, Stuart’s Hill, Martinville (Bizweni – Somerset West): from 21:00 on 1 November to 04:00 on 2 November 2023

ZPT and step testing are essential components of the pressure management technology installation process. These tests help identify any uncharted inflows that must be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves. Residents in affected areas may experience low water pressure or temporary water outages during overnight tests. However, predicting the exact areas or streets impacted is not possible.

Conditional testing ensures the proper functioning of pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network. This process maintains pressure at established settings, prolonging the pipeline’s lifespan and reducing water wastage from pipe bursts. Although pressure fluctuations may happen, efforts will be made to minimize them as much as possible.

The City’s Water Demand Management Strategy includes these procedures, aiming to manage water pressure more effectively to decrease the likelihood of pipe bursts and lessen water wastage.

Infrastructure Maintenance: Pipe and Valve Installations, Repairs, and Replacements

The following areas will experience water supply disruptions due to maintenance work:

• Hout Bay: intermittent shut-offs from 08:00 to 16:00 during weekdays until 3 November 2023
• Northern parts of the City – Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte, and Bellville: from 00:00 on 31 October to 24:00 on 1 November 2023
• Gordon’s Bay (Dobson): from 08:00 to 18:00 on 2 November 2023

These maintenance procedures are part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program. This program aims to ensure the future continuity of water supply while addressing the issue of unaccounted-for water. The City sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience.

Key Information for Residents

During more extensive planned water supply disruptions, residents should keep the following points in mind:

1. Maintenance work is scheduled during the least disruptive times to minimize inconvenience.
2. Work sites are considered construction zones and are not accessible to the public.
3. Unanticipated complications may extend the duration of the work.
4. Once the water supply is restored, the water may appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the water will clear as usual.

It is recommended to follow @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter for updates on maintenance work and tanker locations when applicable.

Preparing for Scheduled Water Supply Disruptions

Residents can take several proactive measures to minimize the impact of planned water supply disruptions:

1. Store enough drinking water before the disruption.
2. Fill containers with water for cleaning and sanitation purposes.
3. Limit water usage during the disruption to essential tasks only.
4. Be considerate of neighbors who may need help during water outages.

In summary, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate conducts these planned maintenance tasks to ensure the water supply infrastructure operates optimally and reliably in the long run. While temporary inconveniences may arise, these proactive measures contribute to sustainable water management and a more dependable water supply for all residents.

How long will the planned maintenance work last?

The planned maintenance work will take place from 30 October to 3 November 2023.

What areas will experience water supply disruptions?

Various areas will experience water supply disruptions due to infrastructure maintenance and testing, including Plumstead, Wynberg, Hout Bay, Scott Estate, Chapmans Peak, Baviaanskloof, Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte, Bellville, and Gordon’s Bay.

What is the purpose of zero-pressure tests?

Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and step testing are essential components of the pressure management technology installation process. These tests help identify any uncharted inflows that must be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves.

What is the Water Demand Management Strategy?

The Water Demand Management Strategy includes procedures that manage water pressure more effectively to decrease the likelihood of pipe bursts and lessen water wastage.

How can residents stay updated on maintenance work and tanker locations?

Residents can follow @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter for updates on maintenance work and tanker locations when applicable.

What should residents do during water supply disruptions?

Residents should store enough drinking water before the disruption, fill containers with water for cleaning and sanitation purposes, limit water usage during the disruption to essential tasks only, and be considerate of neighbors who may need help during water outages.

Why does the City conduct infrastructure maintenance and upgrades?

The Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program aims to ensure the future continuity of water supply while addressing the issue of unaccounted-for water.

What should residents do once the water supply is restored?

Once the water supply is restored, the water may appear discolored or milky due to trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the water will clear as usual.