DWS Maintains Open Sluice Gates at Vaal Dam as Flood Risks Persist

According to DWS, the Vaal Dam is currently sitting at 106.80%, indicating that the reservoir is receiving significantly more water than its normal storage capacity.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced that all 10 sluice gates at the Vaal Dam will remain open, as sustained rainfall across the catchment continues to push dam levels higher and elevate downstream flood risks. The decision forms part of intensified flood management operations within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

At the Bloemhof Dam, authorities activated an increase in water releases from this morning at 10am, with discharge rising by 1 200 cubic metres per second (m³/s) through the radial gates. This is expected to double the dam’s outflow over the course of the day.

Dam Levels Remain High as Inflows Increase

According to DWS, the Vaal Dam is currently sitting at 106.80%, indicating that the reservoir is receiving significantly more water than its normal storage capacity. The dam recorded an inflow of 1 327.52 m³/s and an outflow of 1 359 m³/s, necessitating the continued opening of all sluice gates to manage incoming volumes safely.

Meanwhile, Bloemhof Dam stands at 97.76%, with a current outflow of 1 002 m³/s, which will escalate to 2 202 m³/s following today’s increased release. These adjustments are part of a coordinated strategy to manage floodwaters and ease pressure on the dam infrastructure as rain persists across the region.

High Alert as Flood Management Intensifies

The department emphasised that its teams remain on 24-hour monitoring, observing inflow trends, dam levels and rainfall patterns. With heavy rains expected to continue this week, DWS said real-time oversight is crucial to trigger proactive interventions and prevent severe flooding.

“DWS remains on high alert and will continue real-time monitoring of inflows at both dams as the country experiences sustained rainfall,” the department said. “Further updates will be issued as conditions change.”

The opening of sluice gates, the department added, is a standard dam safety measure used when water levels rise sharply. Controlled releases help:

• Prevent overtopping

• Protect the structural integrity of the dam

• Reduce risk to downstream communities

• Balance inflows and outflows during heavy rainfall

Communities Urged to Remain Vigilant

With controlled releases continuing at both dams, downstream areas may experience overflowing riverbanks, which could affect:

• Low-lying residential areas

• Farmlands

• Road infrastructure

• Irrigation systems

• Riverfront properties

The department issued an urgent call for caution, especially for people living in riparian settlements along the Vaal River.

Communities are advised to:

• Monitor rising river levels closely

• Refrain from crossing flooded low-water bridges

• Keep children and pets away from swollen rivers

• Follow alerts from local disaster management authorities

Farmers and residents with equipment or infrastructure near the waterline should move pumps, tools and machinery to safer ground. Livestock should likewise be relocated to higher areas to avoid being caught in fast-moving currents.

Protecting Infrastructure and Ensuring Safety

The DWS stressed that the controlled release of water is essential for preventing catastrophic failure of dam structures. A sudden overtopping event can compromise dam stability, leading to large-scale flooding affecting thousands of households downstream.

The department, municipalities and hydrology experts are working together to:

• Manage water releases in a coordinated manner

• Ensure early warnings reach communities in time

• Assess flood impacts on local infrastructure

• Support disaster management readiness

Ongoing Rainfall Drives Catchment Pressures

South Africa has experienced several weeks of above-average rainfall, contributing to elevated river flows and saturated catchments across the Vaal and Orange River systems. Weather forecasts indicate continued storms, which may further increase inflows into both dams.

Authorities caution that even if rainfall appears to ease temporarily, water levels may continue rising due to upstream runoff from tributaries feeding into the system.

Department to Issue Further Updates

The DWS said it will continue monitoring conditions and will make further adjustments to dam operations if required. Regular public statements will be released to keep communities informed of changes, risks, or emergency interventions.

As the rainfall persists, the department reiterates that vigilance and preparedness remain essential in protecting lives, property, and infrastructure.