A new two-megalitre water tower set to bolster water supply to the Midrand area, in Gauteng, is 60% complete.

The R92-million Erand tower and pump station project, currently being constructed by water utility Johannesburg Water, adds capacity to the existing Erand reservoir complex.

The project forms part of Johannesburg Water’s Reservoir Storage Upgrade Programme, as well as the Johannesburg Water Master Plan, which aims to ensure the provision of a 24-hour storage capacity in all the entity’s reservoirs.

Part of the Midrand system, the Erand reservoir site already comprises a 25-megalitre-capacity reservoir and a nine-megalitre-capacity reservoir, as well as a pump station.

The existing pump station sources water from the nine-megalitre reservoir and delivers it to a 0.5-megalitre, 30-m-high water tower to produce the required hydrostatic pressure for the distribution of potable water to local communities.

The new and upgraded water pump station will supply both the new two-megalitre water tower and the 0.5-megalitre existing tower, explained Johannesburg Water project manager Pfunzo Mudzanani.

“To increase water storage capacity of the existing system, specifically for higher lying areas, and to unlock the Midrand area for further development, Johannesburg Water is building a new two-megalitre water tower and pump station. This will increase the current storage capacity as a result and will provide a water network with adequate capacity to meet both present and ultimate demands.”

“The storage capacity is required to mitigate against service disruption should network bursts occur or should there be a supply disruption from the bulk supplier, as well as maintaining adequate supply pressure in the reticulation system.”

Upon completion, the new tower will boost water supply in Carlswald, Blue Hills, Kyalami and Barbeque Downs.

In addition to the construction of the new two-megalitre, 30-m-high elevated reinforced concrete water tower, along with the design and construction of piles, ground beams, shaft walls, columns, radial beams and a cylindrical water tank, the project’s scope of work includes the construction of a new pump station housing four pumps each, with a head of 37 m drawing water from the existing 25-megalitre reservoir and delivering to both the new and existing water towers, including all the necessary appurtenances and control systems.

The works also includes the installation of all inlet and outlet pipework from the reservoir to the pump station and connecting to the existing distribution network; cathodic protection and telemetry requirements; the installation of power supply to the new pump station as well as installation of a standby generator and lightning protection; the construction of new manholes and inlet and outlet chambers; and the construction of paving around the pump station and tower.