Staff Reporter.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) opened a fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam on Saturday morning to manage the water levels.
According to the department, the dam’s water storage levels have reached 107.82%, prompting the need to increase water releases from 400 to approximately 550 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to manage levels safely.
Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says the decision is part of ongoing efforts to prevent flooding and ensure dam infrastructure safety.
“These releases remain within safe operational limits and are not expected to cause overtopping of riverbanks downstream,” said Mavasa.
“However, we urge residents along the Vaal River to begin removing valuable equipment, movable infrastructure, and livestock as a precaution.”
At Bloemhof Dam, downstream from the Vaal, storage levels have also risen to 103.23%, prompting a staggered water release schedule.
Water releases will increase from 600 m³/s to 700 m³/s at 10 a.m., 800 m³/s at 12 p.m., 900 m³/s at 2 p.m., and finally to 1000 m³/s at 4 p.m.
Mavasa warns that the higher outflows from the Vaal Dam are expected to reach Bloemhof in the next three to four days, likely causing the riverbanks to swell and affecting communities along the Lower Vaal Catchment.
“At Grootdraai Dam, located in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of Vaal Dam, one sluice gate remains opened at 2 metres to enable the water releases,the Dam is currently sitting at 102.06%.”
“The department is implementing these controlled water releases as a safety measure to protect dam infrastructure and ensure adequate storage capacity following the rainy season,” Mavasa added.
Mavasa said the department is continuously monitoring the water levels in the Vaal River system.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.