City tests automated pressure zone roll-outs
This technology reduces the flow of water and reduces water usage
THE City said it will continue with its testing of automated pressure zone roll-outs in Cape Town CBD and surrounds.
In an effort to help reduce water usage to 50 litres per person a day and beat Day Zero, the City is rolling out further pressure testing across the metro.
Mayco member for water and waste services Xanthea Limberg said by creating automated pressure zones, the City will be able to adjust water pressure remotely and work more efficiently.
This technology reduces the flow of water and, in so doing, helps to reduce water usage.
Scheduled work started last night at 8pm until 4am in the CBD, Foreshore and Zonnebloem areas, which are bounded by the N1 freeway and Heerengracht Road to the north, Bree Street to the west, Searle Street to the east and Keizersgracht Street to the south.
Limberg said the pressure management programme started in 2004 and that there were more than 115 automated zones across the city, which were being prioritised based on their leak and burst rates.
“Other areas will be informed of supply disruptions in due course.
“At least 25 areas across the city have been identified that could benefit from this technology. Affected areas are requested not to stockpile large volumes of municipal water as the service interruptions are not expected to be in effect for long periods.
“The City thanks residents for their co-operation in reducing water consumption and regrets any inconvenience this pressure management work will cause, but it is absolutely vital that we try everything in our power to stretch our water supplies through summer and into winter.”
Not only does pressure management generally lower consumption by reducing the rate at which water flows to properties, it also reduces the risk of leaks and pipe bursts by better ensuring that pressure remains within levels that reduce stress on the infrastructure.
Roll-outs to other parts of the metro will be communicated in due course.