Large water storage dams in the Free State, the water of which is used for human consumption, are stable enough to sustain supply through the winter season.
The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) weekly report shows the province’s total capacity is 15 656,7 million cubic meters (MCM), translating to 85,8%.
The levels of most of the major dams are hovering between the 85% and 97% capacity mark, with just five in the region of 70%. These are Fika-Patso (73,2%), Groothoek (71,6%), Rustfontein (77,7%), Koppies (78,6%) and Egmont (75,2%). The level of the Allemanskraal Dam, near Ventersburg, is the lowest, at 65,8%.
Most dam levels have declined significantly since last year due to poor rainfall, as well as the continual poor water management by Free State municipalities and residents’ inability to repair leaks.
