The Proposed Upgrade of Bulk Water Supply Pipeline from Ga-Moduana to Modutung Village, Dr Ruth Rural Water Supply Program, North West Province

There are six villages that are connected to the Maphoitsile – Modutung bulk water reticulation system, which currently receive its water from the Bogosing Water Supply Scheme. Water supply is currently sourced from the Taung Dam serving as the primary raw water resource and is subsequently treated at the Taung Water Treatment Plant, ensuring it meets the SANS standards and complies with the necessary physical and chemical requirements for potable water for human consumption. Currently, the water supply to the Modutung village is facilitated by the Taung Dam Water Supply Scheme, situated at the Taung Water Treatment Plant.
The final treated potable water supplying the six surrounding villages failed to meet both the physical and chemical requirements, which includes problems associated with turbidity, aluminum and iron. The root cause was attributed to the limitations of the treatment works, addressing the raw water quality form the Vaal Harts water scheme in particular.
The proposed project involves the critical upgrading of the existing 200mmØ Asbestos Cemented gravity bulk water supply pipeline which supplies potable water to six surrounding villages. The current pipeline has significantly deteriorated and has reached the end of its design life, therefore, causes major water losses in the reticulation system and no longer efficiently meet the current water demand, especially to the town of Modutung that is situated the furthest away. Furthermore, the increase in population growth within the six villages dependent on the water supply has contributed to the increase in water demand which in turn increased the deliverable water output on the pipeline with regard to very low water pressure, large amount of water losses (due to friction in the pipeline), higher water flows within the bulk water supply pipeline (higher than acceptable standards) and very high pipe velocities which is higher than the allowed maximum pipe velocity.
The project proposes replacing the deteriorated cement pipeline with a more robust system using uPVC pipes of varying diameters to better accommodate current and projected water demand. Additionally, new ancillary infrastructure, including isolation and scour valves, will be installed to enhance operational efficiency and maintenance.
Upgrading this water supply infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce water losses, improve water pressure throughout the network, and ensure a reliable supply of potable water to the villages are dependent on the water supply. This will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also support sustainable community development in line with environmental and public health standards.

Province(s): North West