Scheduled water supply maintenance is necessary to ensure the continuity of water supply, but it can cause interruptions in specific regions. The maintenance work involves zero-pressure tests and conditional evaluations, pressure management installations and operations, and maintenance tasks involving pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Residents should store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers ahead of time and keep their faucets closed during the maintenance period to prevent water loss and possible damage when the water supply is reestablished. It is crucial to stay informed about the maintenance schedule by following @CityofCTAlerts on social media.
What is Scheduled Water Supply Maintenance and What Are the Safety Measures?
Scheduled water supply maintenance is a proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program aimed at ensuring the continuity of water supply by addressing unaccounted-for water issues. The maintenance work involves zero-pressure tests and conditional evaluations, pressure management installations and operations, and maintenance tasks involving pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers ahead of time and keep their faucets closed during the maintenance period to prevent water loss and possible damage when the water supply is reestablished.
On 22 October 2023, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate revealed a series of planned infrastructure maintenance activities to guarantee the ongoing delivery of water to its consumers. Although the City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause, the work is considered vital for efficient water service provision. Residents in the affected regions are encouraged to be vigilant regarding the forthcoming maintenance operations.
The scheduled work will result in water supply interruptions in numerous areas, which have been divided into three distinct categories: zero-pressure tests and conditional evaluations, pressure management installations and operations, and maintenance tasks involving pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements.
Zero-Pressure Tests and Conditional Evaluations
Several regions will be subject to zero-pressure testing and conditional evaluations, including Plumstead and Wynberg, Table View, Flamingo Vlei, Bloubergstrand, Heldervue (Somerset West), Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch. The tests will be conducted on various dates, with some areas experiencing low pressure for up to 1.5 hours during daytime as the evaluations continue.
Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are crucial components of the pressure management technology installation procedure. These examinations help identify any undocumented inflows that must be addressed before installing intelligent pressure-reducing valves. During the nighttime testing phase, some residents may experience low water pressure, while others might have no water flow from their faucets. It is impossible to predict which areas or streets will be affected.
Conditional evaluations ensure the proper functioning of pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network and pressure management at predetermined settings. This maintains the pipeline’s lifespan and decreases water waste resulting from pipe bursts. Pressure fluctuations may occur, but they will be minimized as much as possible.
Pressure Management Installations and Operations
This work is part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy, aiming to manage water pressure more effectively to decrease pipe bursts and water wastage.
Maintenance Tasks: Pipe and Valve Installations, Repairs, and Replacements
Alongside zero-pressure tests and conditional evaluations, specific regions will undergo maintenance tasks involving pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. These areas include Hout Bay, Knole Park, Ottery, Athlone CBD, Hazendal, and Crawford. This work will cause water supply interruptions, with some areas experiencing low water pressure while others have no water. The maintenance work planning includes test shut-offs to plan for pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements in Claremont, Newlands, Kenilworth, and other surrounding areas.
This maintenance work is part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program, aiming to ensure the future continuity of water supply by addressing unaccounted-for water issues.
Information for Residents Regarding Large-Scale Planned Water Supply Interruptions
Maintenance work is scheduled for the least disruptive times, and all sites undergoing work will be off-limits to the public. It is crucial to note that maintenance work may sometimes be more complicated than expected, potentially extending its duration.
After the water supply is reestablished, the water may appear discolored or cloudy.
How Residents Can Prepare for Scheduled Water Supply Interruptions
The City recommends that residents store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers ahead of time and keep their faucets closed during the maintenance period. This will help prevent water loss and possible damage when the water supply is reestablished.
In conclusion, the planned maintenance work is essential for the city’s water supply infrastructure. Residents are urged to prepare for these interruptions and stay informed about the maintenance schedule by following @CityofCTAlerts on social media.
When is the scheduled water supply maintenance taking place?
The maintenance work is planned for various dates and times and will result in water supply interruptions in certain regions.
What is the purpose of the scheduled water supply maintenance?
The maintenance work is part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade program, aiming to ensure the future continuity of water supply by addressing unaccounted-for water issues.
Which regions will be affected by zero-pressure tests and conditional evaluations?
Several regions will be subject to zero-pressure testing and conditional evaluations, including Plumstead and Wynberg, Table View, Flamingo Vlei, Bloubergstrand, Heldervue (Somerset West), Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch.
What should residents do during the scheduled water supply maintenance period?
Residents are encouraged to store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers ahead of time and keep their faucets closed during the maintenance period to prevent water loss and possible damage when the water supply is reestablished.
Will there be low water pressure during the maintenance period?
Yes, some residents may experience low water pressure, while others might have no water flow from their faucets during the maintenance period.
How can residents stay informed about the maintenance schedule?
Residents can follow @CityofCTAlerts on social media to stay informed about the maintenance schedule.
What should residents do after the water supply is reestablished?
After the water supply is reestablished, the water may appear discolored or cloudy. Residents should run their taps for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
How long will the maintenance work take?
Maintenance work may sometimes be more complicated than expected, potentially extending its duration. The City apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause, but the work is considered vital for efficient water service provision.
