The City of Cape Town’s water and sanitation directorate has advised that various areas will experience water supply disruptions this week 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
- Monday, 9 October, until Thursday, 30 November
The directorate said conditional assessments will be done on the water supply network in these areas which will result in the possibility of lower-than-usual pressure for up to 1.5 hours during the day in some parts as the assessments progress.
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 far as possible.
Die Wingerd, Greenway Rise, Stuart’s Hill, Martinville (Bizweni – Somerset West)
- Tuesday, 10 October, from 9pm until 4am on Wednesday, 11 October
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas.
Table View, Flamingo Vlei and Bloubergstrand
- Wednesday, 11 October, from 9pm until 4am on Thursday, 12 October.
Zero-pressure testing will be done on the water supply network in these areas.
Sunningdale and Bloubergstrand
- Thursday, 12 October, from 9pm until 4am on Friday, 13 October
Zero-pressure testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas.
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:
Steenbras Water Treatment Plant shutdown
- from 8am until 8pm on Monday, 9 October.
The Streenbras Water Treatment Plant will be shut down to enable the directorate’s maintenance team to safely install a valve on the outlet pipeline of the plant.
City added that water supply from elsewhere in the bulk water supply network will be routed to the Steenbras Water Treatment Plant supply areas.
Site B – Nonkqubela area (Khayelitsha)
- Tuesday, 10 October, from 8am to 4pm
The water supply to this area will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to safely install a 450mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline.
City said this work had started on Wednesday, 4 October, but had to be postponed due to complications. Water tankers will be available to provide water for domestic consumption where required.
Molteno Reservoir shutdown
- Tuesday, 10 October, until Tuesday, 31 October
The reservoir will be shut down for maintenance. Areas supplied by the Molteno Reservoir will receive water from elsewhere in the bulk water supply network.
Mowbray and Rondebosch (including the Business Park, Hotel and Golf Course on the Pinelands side of the N2)
- Wednesday, 11 October, from 9am to 9pm
The water supply main to these areas will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to safely install a 300mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline and repair fire hydrants.
City added that this work was previously scheduled for Thursday, 5 October, but required additional tests to be done to determine the full extent of the shut-off.
Scarborough
- Thursday, 12 October, from 8am to 4pm
The water supply to this area will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to safely complete construction work on the main water supply pipeline, including isolating the old pipelines along Camel Rock, Seagull, Egret and Beach Roads and connecting the newly installed pipelines to the water supply network.
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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