MUNICIPAL WATER RETICULATION: BOKNESSTRAND AND CANNON ROCKS: 01 OCTOBER 2025
Enclosure 1: Water Reticulated System
1. Feedback to the residents of Boknesstrand & Cannon Rocks regarding the water reticulation and current constraints pertaining to uninterrupted water delivery.
2. This document was drafted by Mr. Lourens Nel in conjunction with Mr. J. Smit Chairman of the Boknesstrand Ratepayers) and Mr. B. Venter (Chairman of the Cannon Rocks Ratepayers).
PURPOSE
3. This write-up aims to provide residents of Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks with detailed feedback pertaining to the ongoing water supply constraints faced by Ndlambe Municipality. It will outline the challenges related to ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to these areas, along with the current proposals and strategies in place to alleviate these concerns. Additionally, the document will address the long-term solutions being explored to effectively resolve these constraints and secure a reliable water supply for the communities.
BACKGROUND
4. Historical Context of Reticulation System. The water reticulation system for Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks was developed over 40 years ago. At the time of its initiation, the area’s water demand was relatively low. However, as the area has expanded over the years, the existing infrastructure is facing significant strain.
5. Acknowledgement of Initial Efforts. It is important to emphasize that the community members involved in the original project did an exceptional job with the limited funding and governmental assistance available. The fact that many sections of the original system are still operational today is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Furthermore, several of these individuals continue to contribute their valuable insights and expertise to the current effort, and their ongoing involvement is highly appreciated.
6. Community Request and Municipal Response. Recently, residents of Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks approached Ndlambe Municipality to seek clarification on the constraints related to water delivery. The Municipality welcomed this initiative, and although the early stages of dialogue were challenging, there is a mutual commitment from both the Municipality and the ratepayers to identify viable solutions and implement recommendations.
7. Why This Communication Is Being Shared Now. Some may wonder why this communication is only being issued now. The reason for the delay is straightforward, the Municipality, along with the Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks Ratepayers Associations (RPAs), wanted to ensure that a realistic and achievable outcome could be established before providing feedback to the community.
8. Composition of the Liaison Group. The group engaged with the Municipality comprises experienced professionals from Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks, including experts in legal matters, project management, engineering, water reticulation design, and installation. These individuals have worked alongside Municipal personnel and contractors to assess the reticulation system and explore feasible solutions. Once consensus was reached on the fundamental concerns, the Municipality engaged an engineering firm to validate and support the proposed solutions.
9. Current Status and Community Communication. It is important to note that the process involving the engineering firm is still in its early stages, and no immediate actions will be taken as a result. However, given the ongoing concerns raised by the community, it is believed that it is essential for residents to be informed about the current water delivery constraints. Residents are encouraged to express concerns but ask that they do so with care and consideration, as emotional outbursts on social media could impede progress.
10. Description of Water Reticulated System. Refer to Annexure 1 (attached) for a condensed description of the Water Reticulated System.
CURRENT RETICULATION CONCERNS AND PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
11. Air Release Valves and Pressure Reducing Valves.
11.1. Current Situation. The absence of Air Relieve Valves (ARV) in the system causes airlocks, particularly affecting high-lying areas. Additionally, the lack of Pressure Relief Valves (PRV) results in excessive pressure that damages aging pipes, leading to leaks and further system depletion.
11.2. Current Approach. Municipal Staff currently opens fire hydrants to release air, but this is inefficient and results in significant water loss.
11.3. Resolution. The Ndlambe Municipality is in the process of obtaining quotes for the installation of air release valves (ARV) and PRV’s at pre- determined locations within the system.
12. Booster Pump Stations.
12.1. Current Situation. The booster pump stations, essential for maintaining water pressure in higher-lying areas, are nearing the end of their operational life (EoL). Due to the lack of standardization in their installation, these pumps are prone to inefficiencies and frequent failure.
12.2. Resolution. The Ndlambe Municipality is setting up a procurement process for the replacement of these pump stations with standardized, coastal-rated equipment. Both Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks RPAs are actively involved in this process, while the Municipality is awaiting funding approval.
12.3. Interim Solution.
12.3.1. The Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks RPAs have arranged for water deliveries via truck to affected residents with up-to-date municipal accounts. Residents are encouraged to place orders promptly to facilitate the delivery process, as municipal resources for providing assistance on short notice are limited.
12.3.2. Residents, especially those without water tanks and pressure pumps, are advised to install or enlarge their existing storage capacity.
13. Gravity-fed System and Reservoir.
13.1. Current Situation. The water reticulation system for Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks is gravity-fed. The 2 ML reservoir in Cannon Rocks supplies potable water to both villages, including the reservoir at Boknesstrand. When the water level in the Boknesstrand reservoir drops below 50% to 60%, pressure issues arise, especially in high-elevation properties in Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks especially the Equistock Extension.
13.2. Resolution. The Municipality is exploring the possibility of a direct supply to the Boknesstrand reservoir, ensuring it receives water 24/7. This change would help stabilize pressure in both villages, especially during high-demand periods. The Municipality is also considering the installation of non-return valves at key points in the system.
14. Water Truck Collection Point.
14.1. Current Situation.
14.1.1. The water truck collection point has been a source of controversy. While the Municipality acknowledges the discomfort it causes residents, it was placed at the most suitable location to alleviate previous disputes with water truck movement and to prevent the depletion of the Boknesstrand reservoir. The positioning of this point was not determined overnight and was agreed upon by both the Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand RPAs, based on the information available at the time.
14.1.2. The water collection point impacts both villages, but only when the Boknesstrand reservoir drops below 50 to 60% capacity.
14.1.3. The current location of the water collection point was selected due to the disruption caused by trucks at previous positions. The Municipality was not only faced with litigation from numerous residents, but in some instances, it was also in breach of National Road Regulations. When the collection point was located at Main Road in Boknesstrand, it caused expedited depletion of the Boknesstrand reservoir, affected water pressure throughout Boknesstrand, and left areas such as farms and Municipal Housing without water.
14.1.4. It should be noted that Ndlambe Municipality has the responsibility to provide potable water to all townships within the municipal area. Several communities are experiencing more severe water shortages than Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks. Government housing expansion programs do not always consider the constraints and limitations of the affected Municipality when implementing these schemes.
14.2. Resolution. The collection point is unlikely to be moved in the near future due to logistical and financial constraints. However, efforts are being made to regulate collection times to minimize disruption, while plans are underway to upgrade the water booster pump stations, which will reduce reliance on water trucks in the medium to long term. Any possible relocation of the collection point is subject to input from the Municipality’s contracted civil engineer, along with other considerations.
15. Reverse Osmosis Plants and Boreholes
15.1. Current Situation.
15.1.1. The Reverse Osmoses (RO) plants in Cannon Rocks are vital for water processing, but they are highly sensitive to power interruptions, which can lead to operational failure. The Ratepayers conveyed concern that the boreholes supplying water to the RO plants are being overused, questioning the long-term sustainability.
15.1.2. The two RO Plants, situated in Cannon Rocks, supply water to Alexandria, Boknesstrand, Cannon Rocks, certain farms, Municipal workers’ housing, as well as emergency water to other areas in the Ndlambe Municipal area via the water truck collection point located between Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks.
15.1.3. The RO Plants are limited in functionality, particularly due to their dependence on a stable electrical supply. The plants experience catastrophic failures during sudden power interruptions or voltage dips, rendering them inoperable for extended periods. This negatively impacts the ability to maintain reservoir levels at optimal capacity, which in turn affects water pressure for residents and hinders the Municipality’s ability to supply emergency water to other areas.
15.1.4. The RO Plants are supplied with water from boreholes located within Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks, underscoring the need for a constant and reliable electricity supply to both villages. Several power outages have already caused catastrophic failures at these boreholes, impacting the RO Plants’ ability to meet water demand. While the boreholes are currently meeting requirements, one is already inoperable due to depletion. The RPAs have expressed concern about overutilization of the remaining boreholes, which could lead to premature failure.
15.1.5. The existing 1ML RO Plant can be converted to draw water directly from the ocean, and this transition will be initiated once the boreholes can no longer meet demand. Although this option was acknowledged by the Ndlambe Municipality, Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks RPAs have requested that this option be reconsider sooner, stating that waiting until full borehole depletion would be irresponsible.
15.1.6. Following a letter initiated by the Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks RPAs, the Director of Infrastructural Development submitted a formal request to Eskom for a more stable and alternative power supply to the RO Plant. As a result, two highly positive and cooperative meetings were recently held with Eskom representatives.
15.1.7. Eskom is currently investigating the possibility of altering the Eskom supply routes for Cannon Rocks and the RO Plant to integrate with the Boknesstrand supply line. This integration could potentially qualify the area for load shedding exemption. Eskom has also committed to reviewing and upgrading sections of the main supply reticulation, confirming that certain segments are already scheduled for upgrades. In addition, Eskom is investigating the root cause of the persistent power dips affecting the three existing Eskom supply lines. The report on the Eskom investigation is not finalised yet.
15.1.8. Interim successes were experience when Eskom verbally (unofficial) reported that they altered the supply line links a few days prior to the very recent power outage when Cannon Rocks and the RO plants did not lose connectivity during the outage from Alexandira and farms up to Cannon Rocks.
15.1.9. When the Cannon Rocks reservoir is inoperable, it does not affect the water reticulation system, except that it reduces the ability to store additional water. Thus, shortens the lead time available for repairs to the RO Plant.
15.2. Resolution. The Ndlambe Municipality is working with Eskom to ensure a more reliable power supply to the RO plants, including the potential integration of solar power solutions and alternative power (Generator / UPS Solution) to reduce dependency on the Eskom grid stability. The Municipality is also exploring the feasibility of converting the RO plants to use seawater once the boreholes are no longer viable.
16. Reservoirs.
16.1. Current Situation. Both the Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks reservoirs are in poor condition. The Boknesstrand reservoir needs reinforcement, resealing, and a new roof, while the Cannon Rocks reservoir is currently out of service. The Cannon Rocks reservoir being out of commission does not affect the water reticulation system, except that it reduces the ability to store additional water, thus shortening the lead time available for repairs to the RO Plant.
16.2. Resolution. Council is seeking funding for repairs and upgrades to both reservoirs.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
17. The following aspects, among others, are being continuously discussed with the Ndlambe Municipality.
18. Pipe Replacement. The majority of the reticulation system consists of the original pipes, which are now due for replacement. This will be prioritized as part of the longer-term upgrade plan.
19. Reticulation Drawings. Updated reticulation drawings will be shared with the RPAs to improve leak detection and maintenance processes.
20. Metering and Communication Systems. The Municipality plans to install additional metering systems to detect water losses and leaks proactively. Upgrades to the telemetry system are also in progress to improve communication and accountability.
21. Pressure Pumps. The Municipality is considering the installation of pressure pumps in the main lines to achieve higher overall system pressure.
CONCLUSION
22. A Collaborative Effort. The RPAs and Ndlambe Municipality are working diligently towards a common goal, ensuring the long-term stability and sustainability of the water supply for Boknesstrand and Cannon Rocks. While progress is being made, it is important to acknowledge that the resolution of these concerns will take time. The Municipality is actively pursuing government grants for necessary infrastructure upgrades, but this process is lengthy and requires continuous effort.
23. Acknowledging Community Leaders. A word of appreciation be extend to Mr. Bert Venter and Mr. Jan Smit, Chairmen of Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand Ratepayers Association, whose tireless work and dedication to the community have been invaluable. These two individuals have consistently represented the interests of the villages in meetings with Council and have played a crucial role in facilitating the application process for government funding.
24. Ongoing Commitment. It is trusted that this communication provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the current situation. The water supply constraints are receiving the utmost attention, and the community will continue to be kept informed as progress is made.
Enclosure 1
WATER RETICULATED SYSTEM.
1. Description of the Water Reticulated System. The following is a brief description of the Water Reticulated System.
2. Cannon Rocks/Boknesstrand.
2.1. Water is pumped from seven boreholes (five in Cannon Rocks and two in Boknesstrand) to the two-reverse osmosis (RO) plants in Cannon Rocks. The new RO plant has a delivery capacity of 1ML (installed under the Alexandria Augmentation Project), and the old RO plant has a capacity of 0.65ML. Potable water is fed from the RO plants to a 2ML reservoir. The old reservoir at Cannon Rocks with a storage capacity of 0.650ML is currently out of commission.
2.2. Potable water from the 2ML reservoir is gravity fed via the main supply line to Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand. A second line feeds potable water to the adjacent pumpstation, which pumps potable water over a distance of 10.5km to a balance reservoir. Refer paragraph 3.1 below.
Note – Once the old reservoir is re-commissioned, it can only supply potable water to Cannon Rocks and Boknesstrand,
2.3. The main supply line feed potable water to a distribution network throughout Cannon Rocks, and then to Boknesstrand, the excess water from Boknesstrand is in turn pushed up to the Boknesstrand reservoir, this reservoir provide water to surrounding farms and the Council personnel housing. The Boknesstrand reservoir predominantly fills during off peak periods, 22:00 to 05:30. This reservoir supplement pressure to the entire reticulation and gets depleted even when there is a leak in Cannon Rocks.
2.4. The Equistock extension in Cannon Rocks is fed from the main supply line, near the Cannon Rocks Cabins via a distribution network. Residents in this area will experience constraints when the booster pump is not functional or if there is air in the system. The water pressure constraints were in place prior to the installation of the water truck point, and reason for the booster pumpstation.
2.5. The distribution network is equipped with five booster pump stations, four in Boknesstrand, of which two were never connected to Eskom, and one in the Equistock Extension in Cannon Rocks, to maintain water pressure in higher-lying areas.
3. Alexandria. The Alexandria potable water supply consists of three coastal water supply sources, a balancing reservoir with an adjacent water pump station near the coast, three reservoirs in Alexandria and a distribution network.
3.1. Potable water from four sources namely Cape Padron, Fish Kraals (currenly covered by the dunes and is not operational), boreholes from a local farmer, and the Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants at Cannon Rocks is pumped to a balancing reservoir. (refer paragraph 2.2 above). A pumpstation adjacent to the balancing reservoir, pumps the water over distance of 15km to three reservoirs, with a storage capacity of 2ML, 1.5ML and 1ML respectively, at Alexandria.
3.2. The main supply line from these reservoirs feed potable water to a distribution network throughout Alexandria and the adjacent Townships.
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