Cape Town residents are being urged to prepare for planned water disruptions as the City carries out maintenance across several suburbs this week.

The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate says the work is essential to protect and improve water supply infrastructure.

The maintenance programme runs from Monday, 19 January, to Thursday, 22 January 2026.

One of the most notable closures will affect Newlands Spring, a popular water collection point. The facility will be temporarily closed on Monday, 19 January, while teams carry out repairs and routine maintenance.

The City has advised residents who rely on the spring to plan their collections in advance (and to remember the 25-litre limit.)

What is significant about Newlands Spring?

Newlands Spring is a popular spot where locals collect free, fresh, mountain spring water from Table Mountain.

The water is famous for its high quality, and is historically important for the Newlands Brewery.

The Spring became a focal point during the Cape Town Water Crisis of 2015 – 2020.

Recent warnings about falling dam levels and extreme heat have renewed calls for Capetonians to use water sparingly.

Water cuts across the metro

Planned maintenance work will also result in water supply disruption to the following Cape Town areas:

Claremont

In Claremont, parts of the suburb will experience a full water shut-off on Tuesday, 20 January. Affected areas include Fir Street between Stanhope Road and Campground Road, Newry Street, and Palmyra Junction Mall.

Water will be shut off from 09:00 to 18:00 to allow technicians to reposition a fire hydrant on the main supply line. Surrounding streets may also be affected.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay residents will face a shorter disruption on Wednesday, 21 January. Water will be shut off along Victoria Road, from Links Road to Upper Beta Close, between 10:00 and 12:00.

The City says this is a test shutdown ahead of longer repairs scheduled for 28 January. Those future works will involve replacing a faulty valve and fire hydrant.

Gardens

In Gardens, Somerset Close and nearby streets will be without water on Thursday, 22 January. The interruption will last from 09:00 to 18:00.

This shutdown will allow teams to connect a newly-installed pipeline to the existing network.

Prepare for these supply disruptions

Residents in all affected areas are encouraged to store enough water ahead of time using clean, sealed containers.

“For a short period after the supply has been restored, the water may be discoloured or look milky,” the City said in a statement.

“This is because of trapped air in the pipes. If left to stand in a glass, the appearance will become clear, like normal.”

“The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience.”