The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will undertake a 72-hour operation which will begin on Monday morning, 24th of June, until Wednesday, 26th of June to do essential maintenance to its water supply network on the Cape Flats. This will leave several areas without water during this time.
This work will keep the City’s pipe infrastructure in the best possible condition for years to come. Despite the temporary inconvenience, the long-lasting benefits are necessary to best ensure service delivery in a growing city.
Residents should be aware of what this essential operation entails and what to expect during this time.
No water areas:
Due to the nature of the work involved, it requires the water supply to be shut off in the following areas, for three consecutive days:
- Wynberg
- Wetton
- Ottery
- Plumstead
- Diep River
- Southfield
- Elfindale
- Heathfield
- Retreat
- Steenberg
- Lavender Hill
- Seawinds
- Vrygrond
- Muizenberg
- Parkwood
- Lotus River
- Grassy Park
- Zeekoevlei
- Pelican Park
- Pelican Heights
- Peacock Close
- Eagle Park
What all affected residents should do:
Before Monday 24 June:
- Store water in clean, sealed containers and/or in sinks or baths where possible.
- Where possible, try to do laundry before Monday
Before Monday 24 June to Wednesday 26 June:
- Use water sparingly in this period, only for essential use
- Consider a ‘cowboy splash’ or ‘top and tail’ or ‘waskom’ wash for body washing. Use a bucket or large plastic bowl of water to wipe yourself down.
- Use greywater from washing to flush toilets.
- Use a bucket or bowl in the sink to wash dishes. Do not fill the whole sink with water.
- Spot-clean clothes where necessary.
- You will not be able to hose down hard-surfaced or paved areas with municipal tap water.
- Alternative water coming directly from boreholes and well points should not be used for drinking, cooking (and food preparation) or body washing, as it is not treated municipal tap water and could be contaminated.
- You will not be able to water gardens or top up swimming pools with tap water, as these are not essential use.
- Make sure your geyser is turned off for the duration of the pipeline maintenance period to prevent any damage.
- Ensure that all taps are closed to prevent water loss and/or damage when the supply is restored.
- Only use drinking water from the City’s network (stored or from the water tanker) or bottled water
- Do not collect water from the scour valves, which will be opened at certain times to allow for flushing out sediments and debris from the system.
Water tankers
Available water tankers will be deployed throughout the three days for emergency relief. Six water tankers with limited capacity will be located in key areas and it will require that residents travel to collect water.
Residents are strongly encouraged to plan well ahead of time by storing water beforehand, prior to the shut-off. This, combined with water-saving measures, will reduce/eliminate the need to collect water.
Exact details of water tanker locations will be communicated once finalised.
Please be mindful that if tankers have left the site during the day, they have left to refill the tanker. Residents are encouraged to remain calm whilst tankers are refilling. Furthermore, in the planning for this operation, roaming tankers were considered but given the limited capacity to effectively manage resources, this was not deemed viable.
When collecting water from tankers
- Water from City tankers is safe to drink. It has been tested.
- Store water in clean, sealed containers
- Be mindful of your neighbours who also need water; only collect what you need
- Be patient; you will be served
Tankers will be available all three days.
Construction site
The five sites where the maintenance work will take place are regarded as construction sites and non-workers should refrain from visiting it. Residents must please remain clear of the sites as heavy-duty machinery will be in operation and may cause harm to those not permitted to access the area.
Why is it going to take 72 hours?
The duration of the water supply disruption is due to:
- the size and scale of the pipe network;
- the time it takes to clear the pipeline so it is safe for the maintenance team to work on; and
- the time it takes for the pipeline to fill afterwards to build up sufficient pressure to supply water across the affected network when the work is completed.
Compiled by Murray Swart
First published by Cape Town etc
Also see: Important reasons for staying hydrated as a man
