Dam levels in Free State continue to decline: DWS
Johannesburg – Dam levels in Free State are still declining consistently as there has been no reasonable rain recorded in recent weeks. The provincial average water storage is at 73.4% this week which is a slight improvement from last year’s 65.9%.
There has been no sign that there will be sufficient rains this season, therefore it is still in our best interest to use water sparingly. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) wishes to remind water users that the 20% water restrictions status quo still remains
DWS measure dam levels across the country weekly in order to take informed decisions when it comes to distribution of water to relevant dams for consumption by communities. The current decline in dam levels can be attributed to lower than normal rainfalls and the heat wave that is experienced in most parts of the province.
According to this week’s dam reports Kalkfontein Dam is currently sitting at 22.1%. Sterkfontein is at 94.0%, Gariep Dam is sitting at 71.9% and Krugersdrift Dam is at 38.2%. Groothoek Dam is at 39.4%. Rustfontein Dam decreased from 27.1% last week to 26.8% which is slightly better than 22.4% where it was last year at the same time. This week, Fika Patso Dam is at a low 37.2%.
The Department appeals to communities, including businesses across the spectrum to use the resource with extra care. DWS appeals to communities to fix leaks and burst pipes in and around their homes. Pipe burst from the main line should be reported to the local municipality.