The Department of Water and Sanitation has reopened the Groothoek Dam, after three years of not being in operation.

According to the department the dam, which supplies Thaba Nchu and the surrounding villages with water, was out of order as a result of the drought.

“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,” the department said.

Thaba Nchu and the surrounding villages have been receiving water through boreholes as well as tankers.

The dam is able to pump 100 litres of water per second and the water is tested every two hours at the lab on the premises of the dam.

The dam depends solely on rain and not flows from rivers.

The department said even though the recent rainfall has boosted dam levels across the province, water restrictions have not been rescinded.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,” said the department