This is due to challenges at the Welbedacht Dam Treatment Works.  

According to a letter addressed to the current acting Municipal Manager of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, Tebogo Motlashuping, the acting CEO of Bloem Water, Maruping Rapudungoane, explained that the reduction of water is a result of high debris and turbidity due to the recent rainfall. 

Therefore, the inflow of raw water into the Welbedacht Dam Treatment Works was reduced. 

Rapudungoane explained that the issue has affected the level of the main reservoir.

Brandkop, Dehoek and Uitkyk are supplied by the mainline from Welbedacht Dam to Bloemfontein. 

Bloem Water is currently working on the issue. The bulk water supplier has given assurance that water quality will not be compromised. 

Water tankers will be deployed to affected areas.

ALSO READ: Mangaung residents 'paying for air' as water pipes run dry – VIDEO

Meanwhile, residents in Mangaung have alleged that their water meters run up the municipal bill even if there isn't any water coming out of the taps.  

A video captured by a resident in Universitas on 2 February 2023 is doing the rounds on social media and shows that during water cuts that day, with no water coming out of the taps, his water meter's units were running up fast. 

It seems the problem occurs when water is pumped into the water pipes after water cuts and the air is pushed through the pipes. 

Apparently, this "paying for air" is mainly affecting people with prepaid water meters.

ALSO READ: Taps run dry in City of Roses

Also, taps have run dry in some parts of Bloemfontein these past three days. 

Residents were notified on Thursday 2 February 2023, of planned water cuts due to high turbidity at the Welbedacht Dam. 

The metro's Qondile Khedama said that according to Bloem Water, the areas still affected by water cuts include Bainsvlei, Bayswater, Gardeniapark, Fauna, Fleurdal, Heuwelsig, Langenhovenpark, Pellissier, Pentagonpark, Spitkop, Universitas, Westdene, Wilgehof and other surrounding areas. 

Khedama has since apologised for the inconvenience and said they will keep residents informed of any progress.

OFM News