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Department gives update on controlled water releases
As more rain is forecasted in the Upper Vaal Catchment, the Department continues to monitor and manage dam levels
Rising dam levels resulting from heavy inflows into the Vaal Dam from the upstream catchment, have necessitated the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation to activate more controlled water releases in the Vaal River System earlier today.
As such, three more sluice gates were opened in a staggered manner at 10:00, 14:30 and 16:00 respectively. This means that six sluice gates are open now.
As of this morning, Vaal Dam is at 111.64% of storage capacity.
Bloemhof Dam: Water outflow was increased incrementally at different times today from 800 m3/s to 1050 m3/s at 09:00; 1300 m3/s at 11:00; 1550 m3/s at 13:00; 1800 m3/s at 15:00 and 2000m3/s at 17:00. These adjustments are necessary to manage the continuous rising inflows and safe operation of the dam which is at 106.71% today.
Grootdraai Dam: One sluice gate has now been opened at Grootdraai Dam, and the storage capacity is at 105.71%, with inflows of 141.72 m³/s.
Gariep & Vanderkloof Dams: Both overspilling at 107.13% and 105.3% respectively.
Flooding risk is HIGH along the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The controlled and uncontrolled water releases at all these dams will lead to overtopping of riverbanks downstream of the Orange and the Vaal Rivers, resulting in flooding of settlements that are in the lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline.
Evacuations are in place, and residents are urged to avoid flooded zones.
With more rain forecasted in the Upper Vaal Catchment, the Department continues to monitor and manage dam levels to prevent infrastructure failure and protect lives.
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