New reservoir contributes to water security for Cape Town

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12-12-2023
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The Cape Town City Council has invested more than R250 million in the Contermanskloof reservoir, with a capacity of 100 megalitres.

“This supports the city council’s commitment to ensure water supply to its residents by increasing available water resources,” says Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for water and sanitation.

The new reservoir forms part of the existing 180 reservoirs with potable water in the city.

“The reservoir allows greater flexibility in the supply of bulk water.”

The 2015 bulk water master plan identified the Contermanskloof reservoir as an innovative solution to deal with the rapid growth and demand for water in the Blaauwberg area. This area is currently one of the fastest growing development corridors in South Africa.

“The design process for the reservoir began in 2014 and construction was completed in 2022. Since it was handed over to water and sanitation in September 2022, the reservoir has successfully completed a one-year trial operation period and will now supply water to the northern suburbs and Blaauwberg North areas.”

The design includes a rectangular dam type reservoir with a reinforced concrete floor, walls and roof structure (similar to other bulk water reservoirs in Cape Town).

The purpose of the construction of the Contermanskloof reservoir was to act as a balancing reservoir to stabilize the Voëlvlei pipeline which supplies water to the Plattekloof reservoir; to improve the security of water supply to the Melkbos and Atlantis systems; to ensure security of water supply to the Milnerton Reservoir; and to act as a reservoir storage dam for the network system of the fast-growing Blaauwberg North area (the area north of Parklands).

“This significant success will undoubtedly improve the stability of water supply and ease the pressure on existing water infrastructure. It is exciting to see the reservoir in its operational state, thanks to the perseverance of a dedicated team through all the challenges during the construction period.”