BLOEMFONTEIN – Major water storage dams in the Free State are sitting at optimal levels heading into spring and summer, thanks to recent rainfall across the region. Rainfall between 17 and 20 September was measured at a cumulative total of approximately 32 mm, with Saturday, 26 September, also tracking a cumulative total of 32 mm.

Storage dams have generally been hovering between 80% and 95% through winter and were supplemented by the latest rainfall. Provincial dam levels reached an average of 106.7% capacity, up from 101.3%, owing to good rainfall that saw reservoirs such as the Gariep Dam experiencing significant overflows.

According to the latest report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the province’s water resources are in an exceptionally strong position following an excellent winter and the previous rainfall season. The province’s current full supply capacity is reportedly at 15 664.61 million m³, with
15 868.44 million m³ of water in storage.

The majority of the dams in the province have improved significantly compared to the same time last year. Departmental data shows two dams supplying Greater Qwaqwa — Fika Patso and Metsi Matso — are hovering below 85%. Fika Patso is at 76.1% and Metsi Matso at 84.5%. The Welbedacht Dam, fed by the Caledon River, suppling the Mangaung Metro dropped significantly to 80.4% from 101%, despite consistent rainfall.

The Groothoek Dam outside Thaba Nchu and Rustfontein Dam are sitting at 91.4% and 95.1% — a great improvement from last year’s 48.4% and 52.4%, respectively. Krugersdrift Dam is hovering at 100%, while Sterkfontein Dam is at 98.8% and Bloemhof Dam rose from 108.2% to 109%. Kalkfontein Dam is hovering at 100.8%. Tierpoort Dam, mainly for agriculture is currently sitting at 99.3%, reflecting a very high stable water level.

Wisane Mavasa, national spokesperson for the department, urged the public to continue conserving water and using it wisely. “Community members are encouraged to report any damage to infrastructure and acts of vandalism to their local municipalities or the department,” she said.

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