The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation directorate has advised that various areas will experience water supply disruptions over the next few weeks as the team conducts planned work on its water supply infrastructure.
Residents in affected areas are advised that water supplies may be disrupted and are encouraged to plan ahead for alternative water supply arrangements during this time.
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The following areas will be affected:
Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments:
Plumstead and Wynberg
The directorate said conditional assessments are currently being done on the water supply network in these areas and will continue until Thursday, 30 November. This will result in the possibility of lower-than-usual pressure experienced for more than 1.5 hours during the day in some parts as the assessments progress.
The City explained that conditional testing, on the other hand, ensures that the pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) in the water supply network are operating effectively and managing the pressures at the determined settings to preserve the lifespan of the pipeline and reduce the occurrence of water wastage resulting from pipe bursts.
As a result, some residents may experience pressure fluctuations. The City added that pressure fluctuations will be minimised as much as possible.
Bellville South, Beroma, Glenhaven, Labiance and Kasselsvlei
- Tuesday, 7 November, from 9pm until 4am on Wednesday, 8 November
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in this area.
Oakdale, Blommendal, Blomtuin and Eikenbosch
- Thursday, 9 November, from 9pm until 4am on Friday, 10 November
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas
Die Wingerd, Greenway Rise, Stuart’s Hill, Martinville, Schapenberg, Hageland Estate, Sea View Lake Estate, Cherrywood Gardens (Bizweni – Somerset West)
- Thursday, 16 November, from 9pm until 4am on Friday, 17 November
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas.
The City also explained that zero-pressure testing and step-testing are done in advance as part of the installation process for its pressure management technology. These tests are conducted to see if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before installing smart pressure-reducing valves.
As a result, some residents in these affected areas may experience low water pressure, while other residents may experience no water supply during the testing period.
‘It is not possible to predict which areas or streets will experience disruptions,’ added City. ‘Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.’
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Maintenance work: pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements:
Parklands
- Sunday, 5 November, from 8am to 3pm
The directorate will be repairing a faulty valve on the water supply main to this area. Alternate water supply will be rerouted to this area during this period so no water supply disruption is anticipated other than slight fluctuations in water pressure.
Suikerbossie (Hout Bay)
- Tuesday, 7 November, from 10am to 5pm
The water supply to Suikerbossie bounded by Victoria Road and Bisschop Road will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to do a tie-in on the main water supply to the area.
The directorate requested that residents store enough water in advance for domestic consumption.
Site C (Khayelitsha)
- Wednesday, 8 November, from 9am to 4pm
The water supply to this area will be shut off temporarily to enable the maintenance team to do planning for the replacement of a defective 200mm diameter water metre. This will result in water supply disruptions for the duration of the exercise.
The directorate added that water tankers will be provided for domestic water consumption where required.
Kenilworth/Claremont – Imam Haron Road between Garfield and Selous Roads including Belvedere Road and surrounds
- Thursday, 9 November, from 9am to 6pm
The main water supply to this area will be temporarily shut off to enable the maintenance team to replace defective isolation valves on the water supply main. This will result in water supply disruptions for the duration of the exercise.
Site C (Khayelitsha)
- Tuesday, 14 November, from 10am to 6pm
The water supply to this area will be temporarily shut off to enable the maintenance team to safely replace the defective 200mm water metre.
Residents in this area can expect water supply disruptions for the duration of the exercise. The directorate said it will supply water tankers to provide water for domestic consumption where required.
What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:
The City says careful consideration has been given to the planning of this work to ensure it is being done at a time that is least disruptive to the water supply.
However, maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions.
Additionally, all sites where water and sanitation repairs and upgrades are conducted are deemed to be construction sites and, as such, are off-limits to members of the public.
The City advises that for a short period after the water supply is restored, the water may be discoloured or milky in appearance due to the presence of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand, the water will become clear in colour again.
How to prepare:
Residents are encouraged to keep taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage, as well as store enough water in clean, sealed containers to last during this period.
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