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:
Claremont, Newlands and Rondebosch
- Tuesday, 26 September, from 9pm until 4am on Wednesday, 27 September.
- Thursday, 28 September, from 9pm until 4am on Friday, 29 September
Step-testing will be conducted on the water supply network in these areas to enable the maintenance team to do conditional assessments on the water supply.
Bizweni – Somerset West
- Wednesday, 27 September, from 8pm until 4am on Thursday, 28 September
The water supply to this area will be shut off to enable the maintenance team to safely conduct a ZPT on the water supply network in the area.
City 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.’
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 ocucrrence 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.
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Maintenance work – Pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements:
Site B – Nonkqubela area (Khayelitsha)
- Tuesday, 26 September, from 8am to 4pm
A test shut off will be done on the water supply to these areas to enable the maintenance team to safely determine the impact as part of the planning for the installation of a 450mm diameter valve on the main water supply pipeline.
City said water tankers will be available to provide water for domestic consumption where required.
Northern parts of the city – Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Joostenbergvlakte and Bellville
- Tuesday, 26 September, from 12am until midnight on Wednesday, 27 September
The Blackheath Water Treatment Plant will be shut down to enable the maintenance team to safely install a 1500mm diameter water meter.
Residents in these areas are requested to reduce their water consumption during this period.
Gordon’s Bay, Strand and Somerset West
- Friday, 29 September, from 8am until midnight
The Steenbras Water Treatment Plant will be shut down to enable to maintenance team to safely replace a 400mm diameter water meter.
Alternate water supply will be rerouted to these areas resulting in some parts experiencing lower-than-usual water pressure during this period.
Residents in these areas are requested to reduce their water consumption during this period.
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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