The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced that it will maintain the current status of keeping all 10 sluice gates open at the Vaal Dam.
At Bloemhof Dam, an increase in release of 1 200 cubic meters per second (m³/s) has been activated through the radial gates, starting at 10 am, this morning.
According to the department, the Vaal Dam’s current level is at 106.80%, with an inflow of 1 327.52 m³/s and an outflow of 1 359 m³/s.
Meanwhile, the Bloemhof Dam’s level is at 97.76%, with an outflow of 1 002 m³/s, which will rise to 2 202 m³/s after the increased release.
The department said it continues to implement its flood management operations within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).
“DWS remains on high alert and will continue to conduct real-time monitoring of inflows at both Vaal and Bloemhof Dams as the country experiences sustained rainfall this week, necessitating continuous monitoring and proactive intervention. Further updates will be issued as conditions change.
“As the releases continue, from the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, downstream areas may experience overflowing riverbanks, which could affect infrastructure located in low-lying zones of the floodplain,” the statement read.
The department urgently urges communities along the Vaal River, especially those in riparian settlements, to stay vigilant and closely monitor rising river levels.
Farmers and residents with pumps, movable equipment, or infrastructure located near the water’s edge should take immediate action to secure their assets.
In addition, livestock and valuable property should be relocated to higher ground.
“The opening of sluice gates is a standard operating procedure and a critical dam safety measure implemented when water levels rise sharply. Controlled releases help prevent overtopping, safeguard the structural integrity of dam infrastructure and protect communities downstream from potential disaster.” – SAnews.gov.za
