Key Takeaways
- The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has issued a fresh round of water supply alerts for several parts of the city due to scheduled maintenance and essential upgrades.
- The affected areas include Rosendal, The Hague, Leiden, Voorbrug, Delft, Rylands, Melkbosstrand, Table View, West Beach, Parklands, Flamingo Vlei, Blouberg Rise, Bloubergrant, Sunridge, and West Riding.
- Residents in these areas can expect temporary water shutdowns, with some experiencing low pressure or no water at all.
- Water tankers will be available in some areas, and residents are advised to store enough water beforehand and keep taps closed during the outage to prevent flooding.
Introduction to Water Supply Alerts
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has issued a fresh round of water supply alerts for several parts of the city, as crews prepare for scheduled maintenance and essential upgrades across the network. This planned work is part of ongoing efforts to ensure long-term supply stability and reduce unaccounted-for water. Residents in the affected areas are being reminded to prepare for temporary water shutdowns, which may last for several hours or even overnight.
Scheduled Maintenance and Upgrades
The scheduled maintenance and upgrades are set to take place in various parts of the city, including Rosendal, The Hague, Leiden, Voorbrug, and Delft. On Monday, December 1, the water supply in these areas will be temporarily shut off from 8:30am until completed, to allow teams to repair a leaking 650 mm diameter water supply main in Hindle Road, Delft. Residents in these areas are advised to store enough water beforehand, as households can expect no water during this period. Water tankers will be available, with placement coordinated through local ward councillors.
Affected Areas and Shutdowns
Other areas that will be affected by the scheduled maintenance and upgrades include Rylands, Melkbosstrand, Table View, West Beach, Parklands, Flamingo Vlei, Blouberg Rise, Bloubergrant, Sunridge, and West Riding. On Tuesday, December 2, the water supply will be shut off along sections of College Road and Khalfe Road in Rylands, including the Checkers Shopping Complex and surrounding areas, from 9am to 5pm. This is to divert the current 225 mm diameter water main to accommodate the sewer upgrade in the area. Residents in Melkbosstrand can expect a full overnight shutdown on Wednesday, December 3, from 7pm to 4am on Thursday, December 4, while teams replace a T-connection on the 350 mm diameter water supply main.
Zero-Pressure Tests and Conditional Assessments
In addition to the scheduled maintenance and upgrades, the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will also be conducting zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments in certain areas. On Tuesday, December 2, from 10am to 4pm, ZPTs will be conducted in Brackenfell, Brackenfell South, Protea Hoogte, De Oude Spruit, Kaapzig, Morgan Industria, Burgundy, and Sonkring. On Thursday, December 4, from 10am to 4pm, ZPTs will be conducted in Delft. During these tests, some residents may notice low pressure, while others may temporarily have no water at all. The Directorate notes that it is not possible to predict which exact areas or streets will experience disruptions.
Precautions and Advice
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take precautions to minimize the impact of the temporary water shutdowns. They are advised to store enough water in clean, sealed containers beforehand, and to keep taps closed during the outage to prevent flooding when supply returns. After water is restored, residents may notice discoloured or milky water, which is normal due to trapped air. The water will clear once left to stand. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is working to minimize the impact of the scheduled maintenance and upgrades, but some repair work may become more complex once underway, meaning certain disruptions may last longer than anticipated.
Conclusion
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is working to ensure long-term supply stability and reduce unaccounted-for water through scheduled maintenance and essential upgrades. While the temporary water shutdowns may cause inconvenience to residents, they are necessary to ensure the integrity of the water supply system. Residents are advised to take precautions and follow the advice of the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate to minimize the impact of the shutdowns. By working together, the City can ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for all residents.
