Higher water pressure the reason for burst pipes

LEPHALALE - Several water pipes have burst in Onverwacht and Ellisras over the weekend leaving residents without water at certain times.
According to the strategic manager at the Lephalale municipality, Khoroshi Motebele, water infrastructure and especially asbestos pipes in parts of Lephalale are old and not able to withstand the higher water pressure.
Water pressure has increased significantly since the new bulk water supply came online earlier this year. “The current infrastructure is not able to withstand the higher water pressure and the asbestos pipes are bursting as a result. We have, however, taken the possibility of pipe bursts into account during the planning phase and have budgeted R3.5 million for the
upgrading of water pipes. This will be available to us in the new financial year, which starts in July. We are currently in the process of appointing a consultant to do the job.”

The reservoir at Palala Street was partly flooded on Sunday due to a pipe that burst over the weekend.