#Letter: Hammer out the water pressure problem

Hannes van Romburgh of Zinkwazi writes:

As we know, SA is a water scarce country.

I noticed there is drought forecast for SA, thus I keep a close eye on my water meter for leaks.

As it quite often occurs, I installed a pressure gauge on the incoming main. The pressure is constantly between 7 and 8 bar, quite high for a municipal system.

It should be in the region of 4.5 bar.

I often observe pressure fluctuations up to 10 bar, a clear sign of a water hammer (pressure surge). Normally one will investigate and study the pipeline profile to determine the cause of failures.

Then, by applying the principles of fluid controls in pipelines, these losses can be managed effectively.

It is high time iLembe wakes up to the fact and starts fixing the mess. The municipality is treating the symptoms and not the root cause.

I have years of experience in construction, maintenance, agribusiness and consulting engineering of water infrastructure.

iLembe municipality operations manager, Elias Bhengu responds:

The iLembe district municipality takes water scarcity very seriously and from 2013 to date has initiated a water conservation and water demand programme with the aim of reducing water losses.

This programme is currently budgeted for under the water services infrastructure grant.

Unfortunately, the district is dealing with multiple challenges, including aging infrastructure, high pressure (as mentioned by the writer), high losses such as reservoir overflows, bursts and leaks.

To address these challenges, iLembe has over the years introduced plans to reduce water losses but owing to budget constraints there have been limitations to what could be achieved.

The municipality has been able to replace old mains in KwaDukuza, including Zinkwazi, Blythedale, Stanger Manor and a portion of the KwaDukuza central business district.

The Warrenton and Shakaville projects are currently at commissioning stage, while the Glenhills mains replacement project is presently underway.

Pressure reduction, which is part of the programme, is being addressed through the installation of pressure reducing valves at strategic areas. The maintenance and repairs of these valves are an ongoing activity.

But there are some challenges associated with maintaining the required pressures below 4.5 bar. In some instances parts of the pressure-reducing valves and break-pressure tanks are stolen by people in the steel recycling business.

This in some instances significantly increases our average pressures, causing pipeline bursts. These are quickly remedied, however.

The municipality concedes the average pressure is high for the system and is doing everything possible to reduce it to four bars (normal is between 3 and 4.5 bars).

iLembe also appreciates that a citizen has taken time to positively criticise the water service authority and provider’s work.

Constructive criticism is crucial for maintaining efficient governance and serves as motivation to do better.

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