Dams in the Free State are now at full capacity due to the heavy rains that are being received across the country, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The department says its weekly state of reservoirs report is reflecting a water storage of 107.5 percent in the province, up from last week’s 96.8 percent.
According to a statement released by the department on Wednesday, Gariep Dam, which is the biggest dam in the country, recorded 112.1 percent, while Vanderkloof Dam, the second largest, is at 103.2 percent as compared to the previous week’s recording of 93.5 percent.
Welbedacht Dam recorded a 126.9 percent level while Knellpoort Dam was overflowing at 102.9 percent.
Sterkfontein Dam is standing at 100.2 percent, with Bloemhof Dam registering 107.1 percent.
This week Allemanskraal is at 113.3. percent, Erfenis Dam 109.9 percent, Tierpoort Dam 113.8 percent and Kalkfontein Dam 115.9 percent.
Krugersdrift Dam has recorded a significant increase at 111.7 percent from 93.3 percent last week.
Metsi-Matsho Dam is sitting at 69.4 percent, Fika-Patso Dam 79.1 percent and Rustfontein Dam 99.5 percent.
Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the dam levels will be kept at 85 percent for safety reasons.
He also called on the communities dwelling downstream of dams and rivers to be cautious because of high water volumes expected this week.
“Communities residing in lower-lying level areas need to be extremely cautious during times of heavy rains,” Ratau said.
“As the water levels rise in the province, we also make an appeal to the public to continue using water sparingly,” he added.
“Despite the good rains that have brought improvement in our reservoirs, let us remember that South Africa is a water-scarce country. Let us save water because every drop counts.” – Staff Reporter