The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced scheduled maintenance work this week, impacting water supply across several areas of the city, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Residents in these regions are urged to prepare for potential disruptions as essential maintenance is conducted on the water supply infrastructure.
The maintenance will see critical work being done at the Faure Water Treatment Plant (WTP), along with various pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements across different areas.
While these efforts are crucial for improving the water supply system, they may result in temporary water shortages, particularly from 28 September to 2 October 2026.
Faure Water Treatment Plant shutdown
A key aspect of the scheduled plan involves the Faure WTP, which will be temporarily closed for maintenance from 08:00 on Monday, 28 September until 18:00 on Friday, 2 October. This shutdown is necessary for servicing filter valves, replacing pumps, and inspecting inlet chambers.
During this time, water supply from surrounding pipelines will be rerouted, but the shutdown is expected to strain the city’s bulk water storage. Consequently, both residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water throughout this week.
Area-specific disruptions
In addition to the Faure WTP work, several other areas will experience varying degrees of disruption, including:
- Chapman’s Peak Drive – Hout Bay: Intermittent shut-offs from 28 September to 3 December for pipe replacements.
- Watergate Complex and Watergate Boulevard – Mitchells Plain: Temporary shut-off on 29 September from 09:00 to 18:00 for sewer main repairs.
- Camps Bay: Water supply will be interrupted on 29 September on Geneva Drive and on 30 September on Victoria Road for maintenance tasks.
- Philippi: Water cut at Ottery Road and surrounding areas on 29 September from 09:00 to 18:00 for hydrant removal.
- Foreshore – Cape Town: Disruptions on 29 September from 09:00 to 18:00 for the installation of a new water meter.
- Melkbosstrand: Temporary water supply stop on 29 September from 09:00 to 13:00 for pipe and valve replacement.
- Elsies River: Water shut-off on 30 September from 09:00 to 18:00 for a new housing development connection.
What residents should do
Given the extensive nature of these water supply disruptions, residents are advised to:
- Store enough water in clean, sealed containers in advance for domestic use.
- Keep taps closed during supply interruptions to prevent water loss upon restoration.
- Be aware that, following restoration, water may appear discoloured due to trapped air but will clear after standing.
Leak detection and zero-pressure tests
In parallel with the above maintenance, visual leak detection exercises and zero-pressure tests will occur in various parts of the city, including Melkbosstrand, Helderberg, and Tamboerskloof, between 28 September and 1 October.
These actions are part of the City’s strategy to manage water demand and reduce loss through leaks, ensuring a more effective water supply system.
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Picture: Nicolas COMTE / Unsplash
