This was revealed by a weekly status of dams report released by the department of water and sanitation on Monday (18/5). Provincial dams are collectively standing at 106.7% capacity, significantly higher than the 101.3% recorded during the same period last year.

The department said the recent rainfall has replenished water resources across the province, with several dams now exceeding their full supply capacity. As a result, overflow into downstream watercourses is expected in some areas.

Among the province’s major dams, Krugersdrift Dam, located about 38 km outside of Bloemfontein, is at 102.4%, down slightly from last week’s 106.4%. The dam remains a critical source of irrigation water for surrounding farming communities supplied through an extensive canal network.

Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith is at 99.5% capacity, while Metsi-Matsho Dam in Phuthaditjhaba stands at 99.8%. Fika-Patso Dam near Phuthaditjhaba is at 99.1%, and Groothoek Dam near Thaba Nchu remains stable at 98.7%.

“Free State provincial dams have experienced satisfactory levels due to the unexpected heavy rainfall that were experienced throughout the country,” said Free State department of water and sanitation spokesperson Larry Crisp.

“Even though most dams are showing great results, the department continues to make a plea to water users to be water-wise and use water sparingly and report any water leaks from their household taps and other water infrastructure in their area.”

As the provincial water storage levels are at high levels, the department will carry out its stringent inspections and assessment of all the national dams that fall under its authority to safeguard dam infrastructure, he said.

The country’s largest dam, Gariep Dam, situated on the border of the Free State and Eastern Cape, continues to overflow at 109.1%, although this is lower than the 120.4% recorded a week earlier.

At the same time last year, the dam stood at just 98.5%, highlighting the significant impact of this year’s rainfall.

Meanwhile, in the beginning of May, the Mangaung metro warned residents that the Modder River basin is overflowing due to high inflows affecting the Mockesdam, Maselspoort, and Krugersdrift dam systems.

The flooding could impact low-lying roads, farms, nearby infrastructure, and properties, including the Sunset and Maselspoort resort areas.

Communities were cautioned to remain vigilant near riverbanks and flood-prone areas as conditions remain unpredictable.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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