The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has announced that several areas across the city will experience temporary water supply disruptions this week. The interruptions form part of a planned series of maintenance, repair, and infrastructure upgrades to improve the reliability of the city’s water network.

According to the Directorate, the work will involve the installation and replacement of pipes and valves, as well as pressure testing and system rehabilitation across multiple suburbs. The City says it has scheduled these operations at times intended to cause the least inconvenience to residents, but has urged households and businesses to make the necessary preparations in advance.

“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,”

the City noted, while also cautioning that some maintenance tasks may take longer than expected due to unforeseen complexities.

Pressure Testing And Valve Repairs In Diep River, Constantia And Surrounds

On Tuesday, 7 October, from 10am to 3pm, teams will conduct a pressure investigation on the main water supply line serving Diep River and surrounding areas, including Constantia, Plumstead, and Meadowridge. Residents have been advised to expect short periods of very low water pressure or no supply during the investigation.

Water Main Rehabilitation In Rylands

A separate project is scheduled for the same day, from 9am to 6pm, affecting Forbes Avenue and Middel Road in Rylands. A City-appointed contractor will carry out rehabilitation work on the water mains, which includes installing a bypass between Forbes Avenue and Duine Road and placing new valves at key intersections.

During this period, residents in Forbes Avenue (from Flat Road to Jane Avenue) and Middel Road (between Forbes Avenue and Duine Road), as well as the surrounding streets, will experience a complete water shutdown.

MyCiTi Construction Brings Intermittent Disruptions To Mount View And Penlyn Estate

On Wednesday, 8 October, from 9am to 6pm, a new 535mm water main will be installed in Turfhall Road, Lansdowne, as part of the ongoing MyCiTi bus route development. This major infrastructure upgrade may cause periods of low water pressure or temporary outages in Mount View and Penlyn Estate.

Hanover Park Residents To Experience Full-Day Interruption

Water supply in parts of Hanover Park will be shut off on Thursday, 9 October, from 9am to 6pm. The City will be completing the installation of a new water main along Downberg Road and Greenturf Road, between Lonedown Road and Hanover Park Road.

The affected roads include:

• Downberg Road
• Greenturf Road
• Groenall Walk
• Turfburg Walk
• Hope Crescent
• Ryburg Road
• Lonedown Road

Zero-Pressure Tests And Infrastructure Assessments In Steenberg And Retreat

The City will conduct zero-pressure tests (ZPT) and conditional assessments on Friday, 10 October, from 10am to 5pm, in Steenberg, Retreat, and Retreat Industrial. These tests are designed to ensure the water network functions optimally and to identify any leaks or weaknesses.

During the testing window, some residents may experience low pressure, while others may have no water supply at all. The City emphasised that it is not possible to predict exactly which streets will be affected.

“Additional zone management investigations will be carried out to ensure that existing infrastructure is operating effectively,”

the City stated. It added that pressure fluctuations may occur throughout the process.

What Residents Should Expect Once Supply Is Restored

The Water and Sanitation Directorate has cautioned that once water supply is restored, it may initially appear cloudy or slightly discoloured due to trapped air in the pipes.

“If left to stand, the water will become clear in colour again,”

the City explained.

All sites undergoing maintenance or upgrades are considered construction zones and are therefore closed to the public. The City also reminded residents that delays can occur if crews encounter unforeseen challenges during maintenance.

How Residents Can Prepare

Residents are urged to take precautionary steps to minimise the impact of the outages. The City recommends that households:

• Keep all taps closed during the interruption to prevent water loss or damage when supply returns,
• Store sufficient water in clean, sealed containers to last through the period of disruption, and
• Exercise caution in affected areas where maintenance work is being performed.

 

“Maintenance work can sometimes be more complex than anticipated, resulting in longer-than-expected periods of water supply disruptions,”

the Directorate said, reaffirming its commitment to completing the work as efficiently as possible.

While the temporary inconvenience may be felt across several neighbourhoods, the City stressed that these upgrades are essential for maintaining a stable and efficient water network that serves the growing needs of Cape Town’s residents.