Despite good rainfall that filled large water reservoir dams to capacity in the Free State, two major dams supplying the greater Qwaqwa are the only ones hovering below the 80% mark.
The Metsi-Matsho Dam is sitting at 69,4% capacity and the Fika-Patso Dam is at 79,1% while much-needed rainfall in the recent weeks saw several larger dams across the country overflowing.
During the period from August to October, the Matsho was sitting at 59,0% and Fika-Patso at 84,2%.
The two dams’ current situation raises grave concern given the water crisis residents still have to deal with.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s reservoirs report, the province’s total water storage capacity is at 107,5% following good rainfall during the spring season.
Good rainfall saw the province’s total capacity of reservoirs improved from 96,8% to 107,5%. The collective level of water storage dams in the province remained stable throughout the winter season as it was hovering at 99,6% – thanks to rainfall during the period in question.
The Rustfontein Dam sits at 99,5% and the Welbedacht Dam is at 126,9 %. Rainfall saw the Knellpoort Dam overflowing at 102,9%, Bloemhof Dam at 107,1%, and Allemanskraal at 113,3% as well as the Gariep Dam which improved to 112,1%.
The Bloemhof Dam had to release water after reaching full capacity, the department announced.
The Vanderkloof Dam the second largest dam, is at 103,2%, improving from 93,5% and the Erfenis Dam is at 109,9%.
The Kalkfontein Dam is currently at 115,9% full capacity and the Krugersdrift Dam significantly increased to 111,7% from 93,3% the previous week. The Tierpoort Dam, mainly used to supply irrigation demands, is hovering at 113,8%.
Sputnik Ratau, spokesperson of the department, said the storage dams will be kept at 85% for safety reasons.
“Despite the good rains that brought improvement in our reservoirs, let us remember that South Africa is a water scarce country. Let us save water because every drop counts.”
Despite the good rains that has brought improvement in our reservoirs, let us remember that South Africa is a water scarce country
South Africa is a water scarce country. Let us save water because every drop counts.
– Sputnik Ratau
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Piet Botha
