These areas in Cape Town will be without water this week (23-25 July)

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be doing planned work in the identified areas, which will result in water supply disruptions. This critical maintenance work is done on our water supply infrastructure to benefit customers. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to take note of the work that will take place and prepare accordingly.

Zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments will be done on the water supply network in the following areas:

Wednesday, 24 July 2024, from 09:00 until 18:00: Vredekloof, Welgelee, Arauna, Morgenster, St Kilda, Marlborough Park, Brackenfell Industrial and Okavango Park.

Zero-pressure testing and step-testing are part of the installation process for zone management infrastructure. Tests are done in advance, to see if any unmapped inflows need to be considered before installing new infrastructure (such as pressure reducing valves for pressure management). 
 
In these affected areas, some residents may experience low water pressure, and some may have no water coming out of their taps for some time during the testing period. 

Unfortunately it is not possible to predict which exact areas or streets will experience disruptions. 

Additional zone management investigations will be carried out to ensure that existing infrastructure is operating effectively. Pressure fluctuations may be experienced, but every effort will be made to minimize the impact as far as possible.
 
This work forms part of the City’s Water Demand Management Strategy. Managing water pressure more effectively reduces the possibility of pipe bursts and water wastage.
 
Maintenance work, including pipe and valve installations, repairs and replacements 

Planned maintenance work will result in water supply disruption to these areas: 

Dennemere, Blackheath residential area, Rustdal, Saxenberg, Blackheath Industrial Area, Austinville, Happy Valley, Heath Street Industrial Area, Greenfields, The Conifers, Gaylee and Wimbledon Estate.

The water supply to these areas will be shut off from 09:00 until 18:00 on Thursday, 25 July 2024.

This will enable the maintenance team to safely install three control valves on the main water supply pipeline. As a result, the management of future water supply shut-offs in these areas will be improved.

Part of Claremont

Two new connections will be done and two control valves will be installed on the main water supply in Main Road, Claremont from 09:00 until 18:00 on Thursday, 25 July 2024.

This will result in the disruption of water supply during this period, to the area bounded by San Souci  Street, the railway line, Stellenberg Avenue and Cavendish Street in Claremont.

Some consumers may experience no water and others low water pressure. 

Residents are advised to store enough water in advance, as a precautionary measure. Water should ideally be stored in clean, sealed containers. 
 
This work forms part of the Water and Sanitation Directorate’s proactive infrastructure maintenance and upgrade programme, which ensures the future continuity of water supply by addressing the issue of unaccounted for water. 
 
The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience.

What residents need to know about larger-scale planned water supply disruptions:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Sometimes the maintenance work can be more complex than anticipated, which means the work could take longer.
4. For a short period after the supply has been restored, the water may be discoloured or look milky. This is because of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the appearance will become clear, like normal.

For updates on the maintenance work (and location of tankers where applicable), follow @CityofCTAlerts which is a City of Cape Town X account (formerly Twitter).

How residents are advised to prepare for planned water supply disruptions:

1. Store enough water in clean, sealed containers in advance for use during this period.
2. Keep your taps closed to prevent any water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored.