Key Takeaways
- The City of Cape Town is carrying out planned maintenance on its water supply infrastructure from January 19 to 22, 2026.
- The maintenance will result in water disruptions in several suburbs, including Claremont, Camps Bay, and Gardens.
- Residents are advised to store enough water ahead of time and to use clean, sealed containers to minimize inconvenience.
- The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate says the work is essential to protect and improve the water supply infrastructure.
- Newlands Spring, a popular water collection point, will be temporarily closed on January 19 for repairs and routine maintenance.
Introduction to the Maintenance Programme
The City of Cape Town has announced a planned maintenance programme for its water supply infrastructure, which will take place from Monday, January 19 to Thursday, January 22, 2026. The programme is essential to protect and improve the water supply infrastructure, and will involve repairs and routine maintenance in several suburbs. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is urging residents to prepare for the planned water disruptions, which will affect various areas across the metro.
Newlands Spring Closure
One of the most notable closures will be the temporary shutdown of Newlands Spring, a popular water collection point, on Monday, January 19. The spring is a significant spot where locals collect free, fresh, mountain spring water from Table Mountain. The water is famous for its high quality and is historically important for the Newlands Brewery. The spring became a focal point during the Cape Town Water Crisis of 2015-2020, and its temporary closure may cause inconvenience to residents who rely on it. The City has advised residents to plan their collections in advance and to remember the 25-litre limit.
Planned Water Disruptions
The planned maintenance work will result in water supply disruptions in several Cape Town areas. In Claremont, parts of the suburb will experience a full water shut-off on Tuesday, January 20, from 09:00 to 18:00. The affected areas include Fir Street between Stanhope Road and Campground Road, Newry Street, and Palmyra Junction Mall. The shutdown will allow technicians to reposition a fire hydrant on the main supply line. In Camps Bay, residents will face a shorter disruption on Wednesday, January 21, from 10:00 to 12:00, along Victoria Road, from Links Road to Upper Beta Close. This is a test shutdown ahead of longer repairs scheduled for January 28, which will involve replacing a faulty valve and fire hydrant.
Additional Disruptions and Preparations
In Gardens, Somerset Close and nearby streets will be without water on Thursday, January 22, from 09:00 to 18:00. The shutdown will allow teams to connect a newly-installed pipeline to the existing network. Residents in all affected areas are encouraged to store enough water ahead of time using clean, sealed containers. The City has also warned that for a short period after the supply has been restored, the water may be discoloured or look milky due to trapped air in the pipes. However, if left to stand in a glass, the appearance will become clear, like normal. The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused by the planned maintenance and is working to minimize disruptions to residents.
Conclusion and Final Preparations
In conclusion, the City of Cape Town’s planned maintenance programme is essential to protect and improve the water supply infrastructure. While the programme may cause inconvenience to residents, it is necessary to ensure a reliable and safe water supply. Residents are urged to prepare for the planned water disruptions by storing enough water ahead of time and using clean, sealed containers. By working together, the City and its residents can ensure a successful maintenance programme and a continued supply of safe and reliable water. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is committed to providing a high level of service to its residents and is working to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth maintenance programme.