Since 1973 when the Welbedacht Dam was completed , it has lost more than 90 % of its storage capacity because of high siltation rates .
Mangaung Metro Municipality
Water in Mangaung – seeking solutions
The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality ( MMM ) has witnessed serious water interruptions , water shortages , and resulting restrictions over the past few years — challenges that are making consistent supply head for disaster if action is not taken soon .
Mainly three systems are serving Mangaung , namely , the Welbedacht / Knellpoort system , Rustfontein Dam , and Mockes Dam .
Bloemfontein receives water from two sources : Bloem Water , which supplies 70 % of the city ’ s water , and the municipality ’ s Maselspoort Water Treatment Works , which directly abstracts the remaining 30 % from the Modder River .
The overall metro comprises three towns , that of Bloemfontein , Thaba Nchu , and Botshabelo . The daily water consumption is 145Ml , 20Ml , and 30Ml for the three towns , respectively . In addition , the Naledi Local Municipality was incorporated into the metro after the local government elections in August 2016 , adding to daily demand .
The MMM includes approximately 230 000 households , consisting of 720 000 users . In Bloemfontein , a greater population and extensive commercial activities result in water consumption of almost three times that of Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo .
“ Mangaung , as the economic hub of the Free State province , has been affected by serious water shortages ,
12 Water Sewage & Effluent March / April 2017