The collective level of water storage dams in the Free State is in a stable state, hovering at 99.6%. Given this positive outlook it is expected to see consumers through summer season.
According to the latest data recorded by the Department of Water and Sanitation, most dams in the province are hovering above 90% apart from two dams that supply the greater Qwaqwa.
The Metsi-Matsho is sitting at 59.0% and Fika-Patso at 84.2.%. The dams situation raises grave concern given the water crisis the area still faces.
The water crisis has been also blamed on the government failure to maintain infrastructure.
The department attributes the decline of water levels to dry weather patterns being experienced inlands.
Most of the dams are in a healthy state.
The Bloemfontein Water Supply System which supplies Bloemfontein and other surrounding areas has decreased marginally, from 98.2.% last week to 98.1%.
The Rustfontein and Groothoek Dams supplying parts of the Mangaung Metro’s three towns, Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, are hovering at 95.1% and 95.0% respectively.
Other main reservoirs are above 100%. These include the Welbedacht and Knellpoort Dams sitting at 100.0% followed by Sterkfontein Dam at 100.2% and Bloemhof Dam at 106.0%.
Allemanskraal Dam is sitting at 94.9.%, Erfenis Dam at 98.2.%, Kalkfontein Dam is at 100.7% while Krugersdrift Dam is at 99.7.0%. The Tierpoort Dam, mainly irrigation system is at 101.3%.
According to the department, the great Gariep Dam saw a marginal 3% increase and is presently sitting at 97.7% % followed by the Vanderkloof Dam sitting at 99.5%.
The department has strongly encouraged communities to continue using water sparingly given South Africa’s problem of water scarcity.
