Residents have been urged to use less water from Wednesday, 12 August to Monday, 24 August due to mandatory inspection and maintenance work by the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

The work, which is scheduled every five years, will be conducted on the Theewaterskloof Dam to Riviersonderend (RSE) Berg River Tunnel.

The City says while it doesn’t anticipate any water supply disruptions during the maintenance work, residents will still need to reduce water use because one of the City’s primary supply sources will be temporarily unavailable.

The Metro explains that the RSE Tunnel conveys water from the Theewaterskloof Dam to the Berg River system and is an important component of the Western Cape Water Supply System, with the City as one of its primary users.

The National Department of Water and Sanitation will, on 12 August, drain sections of the tunnel to allow engineers to inspect and maintain the infrastructure safely.

The RSE Tunnel normally contributes approximately 40% to 50% of Cape Town’s water supply, meaning that water resources during the maintenance period need to be managed very closely.

The MMC Zahid Badroodien says operational adjustments will be made during this period.

He says during the DWS shutdown, the City will close off supply to the Faure Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to maximise feed at the Blackheath WTP, where it will be treated to drinking water quality.

But he says they are really dependent on residents to be “cognisant of the situation and the need for responsible water use during the 13-day period.”

“While this important work is under way, we know that resources will be in short supply. Every litre saved will help ensure that there is sufficient water for everyone.”

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