The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will carry out planned water supply maintenance from Monday 1 December to Thursday 4 December which will affect several areas across the metro.
“The work forms part of the City’s proactive programme to upgrade ageing infrastructure, reduce water losses, and ensure long-term supply stability,” the City says in a statement on Sunday.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to store enough water in clean, sealed containers and prepare for temporary water outages or low pressure during the maintenance period.
Repairs, installations and valve replacements
A series of repairs, pipe installations, and valve replacements will be undertaken across Delft, Rylands, Melkbosstrand and parts of the Blaauwberg area:
- Rosendal, The Hague, Leiden and Voorbrug – Delft
Water will be shut off from 08:30 on Monday 1 December until completion. This will allow repairs to the leaking 650 mm water supply main on Hindle Road. Water tankers will be deployed, with locations communicated by ward councillors.
- Part of Rylands
College Road (Hazel Rd to Parker Ave), Khalfe Road (College Rd to Noll Ave) and the Checkers Shopping Complex will experience a shut-off on Tuesday, 2 December, from 09:00 to 17:00. This is to divert a 225 mm water main to accommodate a sewer upgrade.
- Melkbosstrand
Water will be shut off from 19:00 on Wednesday, 3 December until 04:00 on Thursday, 4 December to replace a T-connection on the 350 mm main supplying the area. Water tankers will be available.
- Table View, West Beach, Parklands, Flamingo Vlei, Blouberg Rise, Bloubergrant, Sunridge and West Riding
These areas will have no water on Thursday, 4 December, from 10:00 to 18:00, while teams install a new bulk water meter.
The City emphasised that these upgrades are essential to reduce unaccounted-for water and improve overall network reliability.
Zero-pressure tests and conditional assessments
Zero-pressure testing (ZPT) and step-testing will also take place, which may cause low pressure or temporary outages:
- Tuesday 2 December (10:00–16:00): Brackenfell, Brackenfell South, Protea Hoogte, De Oude Spruit, Kaapzig, Morgan Industria, Burgundy, Sonkring.
- Thursday, 4 December 2025 (10:00–16:00): Delft.
These tests help identify unmapped inflows and ensure pressure management systems, such as future pressure-reducing valves, can be installed effectively. Some areas may experience pressure fluctuations, though the City aims to minimise disruptions as far as possible.
How residents should prepare
The City advises residents to:
- Store enough water beforehand in clean, sealed containers.
- Keep taps closed during the outage to prevent flooding or damage when water returns.
- Expect temporary discolouration or milky-looking water when supply is restored due to trapped air — this clears after standing.
- Stay updated on tanker locations and completion times via @CityofCTAlerts on X.
“The City apologised for any inconvenience, noting that work is scheduled to minimise disruption and ensure a reliable water supply for the future.”
