If the population grows by only 1.2 % per year , the water demand in the metro will increase with approximately 30 % over the next 20 years .
municipality , and thirdly , water supply from the Gariep Dam .
Addressing the issue of water losses , the MMM had to embark on an extensive Water Demand and Conservation Programme in the short term . Since September 2011 , the municipality has reduced water losses in the distribution system with an average of 11Ml per day , annually . It also increased its internal bulk distribution capacity with the construction of the 35Ml Naval Hill Reservoir , the 45Ml Longridge Reservoir , and an 8Ml reservoir in Botshabelo . The increased storage capacity is providing some relief .
The municipality is planning to address the re-use of water from the new North Eastern Waste Water Treatment Works near the Bloemspruit Air Force Base . This treatment works will provide the highest quality re-use water to drain into the Mockes Dam for use at the Maselspoort Water Treatment Works . Currently , the ageing Maselspoort treatment works is being upgraded with new technology to ensure improved quality drinking water to Bloemfontein .
Several urban and agricultural water conservation , demand management , and surface water interventions have also been deployed to combat rising demand .
Despite these interventions , water supply in the metro remains under threat and the third priority area — securing bulk water supply from a major water source — is an expensive but vital long-term solution for sustainable water supply to the metro .
Bulk supply solutions
Soon , the inhabitants of MMM will feel the nett effect of the bulk water supply problems directly . Water
supply via the Caledon River and Welbedacht supply system has increased with an average of 16 % per annum over the past three years . If something is not done soon , tariffs will continue to rise .
The challenge with bulk supply is that it takes years of planning , lead time , political will , and significant capital outlay to bring it into fruition .
Over the past three years , the municipality , as the official Water Services Authority , has proactively investigated bulk water supply solutions to solve Bloemfontein ’ s water challenges .
One of the bulk supply solutions that has been proposed is a 180km water augmentation pipeline that will run from Gariep Dam ( South Africa ’ s largest dam ) to the municipality . The pipeline would be able to supply up to 130Ml of potable water per day .
The sooner the project commences , the lower the costs would be and the quicker the municipality would be able to address people ’ s urgent need for potable water , argues proponents of the project .
In October last year , there was talk that the DWS would fast-track the water pipeline from the Gariep Dam to alleviate the water supply crisis in the MMM .
Status of pipeline project
The municipality registered the Gariep project with National Treasury ’ s Government Technical Advisory Centre ( GTAC ) to initiate the project in accordance with its Municipal Services and Public-Private Partnership Guidelines . It also registered the water use license applications with the DWS .
The first phase of the bankable feasibility study started in November 2015 , and planning , including environmental studies and water use licences , continues .
16 Water Sewage & Effluent March / April 2017