Water supply cut off in parts of Bloemfontein following heavy rains

FILE: Droplets of water dripping from a tap.

Water supply to parts of Bloemfontein in the Free State has been cut off.

Recent heavy rainfall has caused large amounts of water to flow upstream in the Modder River and into the Rustfontein and Mockes Dams as well as into the Maselspoort Water Treatment Works.

The Mangaung Metro Municipality’s Nicolette Maysiels, says the volume of water and fast flow cannot be fully controlled.

She says this has caused branches and other objects to enter the water system.

Maysiels says as a result, operations at the Maselspoort Water Treatment Works have been temporarily suspended as the plant cannot safely treat the water without risking damage and affecting water quality.

Public Notice: Dangerous conditions reported along the Modder River due to rising water levels. Residents are urged to stay away from riverbanks and crossings until further notice. pic.twitter.com/xW56rM2GYL

— Mangaung Metro Official (@CityofMangaung_) May 1, 2026