Groothoek dam operational again after three years
The Groothoek Dam that has not been operating for three years due to the drought has officially been re-operationalized on 25 April 2018. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with Bloemwater officially opened the dam at an event graced by Bloemwater board members and special guests. The Groothoek Dam supplies Thaba Nchu and surrounding villages with water.
The recent rains have been favourable and have raised the dam’s level from 22% to 58% making it possible to start pumping water again. Thaba Nchu and the surrounding villages have been receiving water through boreholes as well as tankering in the recent past. The dam is able to pump 100 litres of water per second and the water is tested every two (2) hours at the lab on the premises of the dam.
Executive Manager Operations and Maintenance Mr Rapudungoana, from Bloemwater said that the water can last up to 8 months if managed well and even longer if winter rainfalls are favourable. The dam depends solely on rain and not flows from rivers. He expressed his relief as the dam will operate again fully after so many years.
Mr Manyama, Director Infrastructure Development for DWS said that even though the recent rainfall has boosted dam levels across the Free State, water restrictions have not been rescinded. Residents should still abide by the restrictions and use water sparingly until the review is done after the rainy season.
Source: Government of South Africa